As Thanksgiving approaches, Wyoming residents are wondering whether they’ll enjoy a mild holiday or face serious travel disruptions caused by winter storms.
While meteorologists say it’s too early to pinpoint exact snowfall totals, early signs strongly suggest that Wyoming is heading toward a cold, snowy holiday week—one that could impact statewide travel and even flights across the country.
A Sudden Seasonal Shift
Early Signs of a Wintry Thanksgiving
After several weeks of unusually warm temperatures, forecasters say a winter system is preparing to sweep across the state. This transition is expected to bring colder temperatures, snowfall in several regions, and potential travel delays.
Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day said the timing is unfortunate. He expects winter conditions to return just as Thanksgiving week begins, although the intensity remains uncertain.
Meteorologists Signal a Drop in Temperatures
The National Weather Service (NWS) expects temperatures to fall significantly next week.
Meteorologist Joshua Rowe from the NWS Riverton office stated that cold air combined with incoming moisture could bring the first measurable snowfall for many Wyoming communities.
According to preliminary Climate Prediction Center data, Wyoming is trending toward below-average temperatures and above-average precipitation for late November and early December.
Rowe noted that daytime highs will dip into the mid-30s east of the Continental Divide by Tuesday, with even colder temperatures arriving Wednesday.
A Deeper Look Into the Expected Cold
Chillier Days, Colder Nights
NWS Cheyenne forecaster Matthew McLaughlin confirmed that the storm systems influencing Wyoming are becoming more active and are pulling in cold air from Canada.
He emphasized that the greatest temperature drop won’t be during the day—but at night.
Overnight lows could sink into the teens on Wednesday and Thursday, making early-morning travel risky due to ice.
Why Late-Night Moisture Matters
If moisture arrives overnight, temperatures could allow it to stick, creating icy roadways. But snow that falls during the day may melt due to slightly warmer temperatures.
Rowe explained that accumulation will depend heavily on timing. A daytime system may produce wet roads, while an overnight system could create black ice and slick travel conditions.
Travel Concerns: Roads, Flights, and Holiday Plans
Black Ice and Hazardous Roads
Even modest snowfall could lead to dangerous driving conditions. Day warned that holiday travelers should prepare for slick roads not only in Wyoming but throughout much of the Western and Midwestern United States.
Air Travelers Should Stay Alert
Major hubs like Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Denver International Airport could face delays if this winter transition intensifies.
McLaughlin noted that southeastern Wyoming’s route to DIA looks manageable for now, but weather systems can shift quickly.
Day advises travelers to check forecasts frequently:
“Don’t wait days between updates—conditions will change fast, especially early in the week.”
Looking Beyond Thanksgiving
More Winter Systems on the Way
Meteorologists agree on at least one certainty: Wyoming will be colder by Thanksgiving, and the potential for snow is rising.
Another stronger winter storm is forecast to arrive right after Thanksgiving, carrying colder temperatures into December.
A La Niña Pattern Takes Shape
Rowe said the jet stream is drifting south, forming a classic La Niña pattern, where a trough funnels cold Canadian air into the West. This setup typically brings frequent storms and steady winter weather to Wyoming.
Looking ahead, meteorologists expect a noticeably more active and colder period throughout the coming weeks.
Public Concerns and Forecast Accuracy
Debating the Predictions
Some residents have questioned long-range forecasts after the warm start to November. Critics point out that last year’s predictions of a cold, snowy winter did not fully materialize.
However, Day emphasized that warm Novembers are not unusual in Wyoming’s weather history. He says extremes are part of the regional climate, and early-November conditions do not determine the season’s outcome.
Winter Is Still Expected
Day expects the winter he predicted to arrive—just later than anticipated. Outdoor enthusiasts like skiers and snowmobilers should expect conditions to shift quickly as November ends and December begins.
Wyoming’s warm streak is about to end as a colder, stormier pattern settles in just in time for Thanksgiving. While exact snowfall totals remain uncertain, residents can expect dropping temperatures, potential snow, icy travel conditions, and widespread holiday travel impacts.
With more winter systems already lining up for late November and early December, the state is preparing to transition rapidly into full winter mode. Staying updated on local forecasts will be essential for safe travel throughout the holiday week.
