Heat in Lander Foothills, Wyoming

The Lander airport experienced record warmth for most of the second half of March. Daily average temperatures from March 17 though March 30 were more than 17 degrees above seasonal normals, with every day above normal. Nine days were more thn 15 degrees above normal. Nine daily record high temperatures were set, including five days in a row from March 17 to March 21. The old monthly high temperature of 76 degrees was broken four times, including three days in a row from March 19 to 21. There were three days of highs in the 80s, the first three in station history. The high of 80 degrees on March 19 was the earliest 80 degree temperature by 22 days. Records at Lander date back to 1892.

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.