Heat in Southeast Big Horn Basin, Wyoming

Much of the second half of March had record breaking warmth in Washakie County, including at the Worland airport. Average daily temperatures were 13 degrees above normal for the period from March 17 to March 30. During this period, six new daily record high temperatures were set, including on 5 consecutive days from March 17 to March 31. The previous monthly record high temperature of 81 degrees was broken four times, including three consecutive days from March 19 to 21. The high of 80 degrees on March 19 was the earliest occurrence of 80 degrees, breaking the old record of March 28. And finally, the high temperature of 88 degrees on March 21 tied the record high temperature for April.

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.