Heat in Upper Green River Basin, Wyoming

It was a record warm period for much of the latter half of March. The period averaged nearly 15 degrees above normal, with every day but one at least 10 degrees above normal for the daily average temperature. Ten of these days set daily record high temperatures. The previous all time monthly high temperature of 69 was tied or broken six times. This includes four high temperatures in the 70s, which are the first four occurrences on 70 degree temperatures in station history, including the new monthly record high of 73. Records at the Big Piney airport date back to 1998.

A very strong ridge of high pressure set up across much of the western United States and brought an long period of record breaking warmth. The most impressive stretch was from March 18 through March 21. In total, 71 new daily record high temperatures were set out of a possible 126 high temperatures at RIW CLI sites (longer term climate sites), greater than half of the daily highs. Every location was at least 10 degrees above normal through the period. Every location had their all time warmest period for these two weeks, with three locations; the Riverton Airport, the Sweetwater County airport near Rock Springs, and the Lander airport; more than 8 degrees above the previous warmest period. All locations set their all time high temperature March multiple times in this stretch. Six locations had their earliest 80 degree high temperature, with four stations having their first 80 degree or greater March high temperatures in station history.