Another shortwave crossed Wyoming and brought another round of strong to severe thunderstorms, primarily impacting Natrona County but also portions of Fremont and Park County. A line of thunderstorms moved through Fremont and Natrona Counties bringing high wind.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS RIW wrote it up.
Another shortwave crossed Wyoming and brought another round of strong to severe thunderstorms, primarily impacting Natrona County but also portions of Fremont and Park County. A line of thunderstorms moved through Fremont and Natrona Counties bringing high wind. The highest wind gust reported was 67 mph at Scenic Drive on the south side of Casper. In northern Natrona County, quarter sized hail was reported to south of Midwest. In Park County, there was a report of nickel size hail to the southeast of Cody. North of Jeffrey City, there was a brief QLCS tornado. The tornado remained over open country and caused no known damage.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Riverton, WY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 25, 10:45 AM MST, 2 hours 6 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Riverton WY 1145 AM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Thunderstorms are expected to move from west to east across Wyoming through 5PM MDT. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible with gusty 45 mph winds, hail, heavy rain, and frequent lighting. Gusts of up 60 mph are possible in severe thunderstorms. - Shower and thunderstorm chances (20% to 40%) exist Friday afternoon across northwest and northern Wyoming as well as Johnson and Natrona County. Otherwise, expect warmer temperatures, lower humidity, and gusty winds on Friday with elevated fire weather conditions possible. - A weather system will bring a cooler weekend, especially on Sunday. Some accumulating snow is possible in the northwestern mountains from Saturday night through Sunday night. && .UPDATE... Issued at 1005 AM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026 The forecast for today remains on track with showers and thunderstorms moving from west to east across Wyoming along a cold front. As of 10AM MDT, radar is showing a line of thunderstorms from the western Absarokas to western Sublette County. These thunderstorms will push east through the late morning and early afternoon, moving across the Green River Basin between 10AM and 12PM, the Bighorn and Wind River Basins between 12PM and 3PM and the I-25 corridor in Natrona and Johnson Counties between 2PM and 5PM. Confidence has increased in thunderstorms becoming strong to severe due to more cloud breaks across the area. Hi-Res guidance is indicating 1000 to 1500 J/kg of BLCAPE, 30 to 45kts of 0 to 6km shear, and unstable mid- level lapse rates around 7.5 C/km. This suggests that any thunderstorms will be able to produce heavy rainfall, small hail, gusty 30 mph to 45 mph winds, and frequent lightning with the line. Instances of 60 mph wind gusts are possible in thunderstorms that become severe. Conditions are a bit different across southern and southwestern Wyoming, where there has been abundant morning sunshine. Across the aforementioned areas, very unstable lapse rates around 8.5 C/km, DCAPE values around 1,000 J/kg, and nearly 1,500 J/kg of BLCAPE are forecast this afternoon. Dew points have remained rather high this morning with Rock Springs Airport reporting morning dew points in the low 50s. This will help keep afternoon dew point depressions around 40 degrees fahrenheit. Thus, thunderstorms across southern and southwestern Wyoming will be capable of gusty 40 to 50 mph winds, hail up to 1 inch, and frequent lightning. All thunderstorm chances largely come to an end by sunset as daytime heating subsides. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 241 AM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026 There was interesting occurrence around Riverton last night. A severe thunderstorms developed off the Wind River Range and moved north. Just to show how tight the gradient can be on precipitation. At our office, we were missed for the most part and only had a trace of rain. Meanwhile, just 7 miles away, on the east side of Riverton, one of our retired forecasters reported 1.40 inches of rain in around 40 minutes and penny sized hail. There was a fair amount of street flooding in town as well. We still have showers and a few thunderstorms around as I write this around 1 am, but the trend is down as we lose instability. There will still be some around through the night though. We will likely see more showers and storms today. There is some uncertainty though. For one, especially across eastern portions of the area, we will likely have a decent amount of cloud cover around to start the day. This could limit instability somewhat. However, there will some factors for it. Another shortwave will be crossing the area. There will also still be some directional and speed shear, although less than yesterday, generally between 30 and 40 knots versus the 50 to 60 we had on Wednesday. Some models still have a decent amount a CAPE through, up to 1500 J/Kg on the GFS for instance. As for stronger storms, the Storm Prediction Center has removed the slight risk. We now have a Marginal risk which runs largely south and east of a Worland to Thermopolis to Riverton to Rock Springs line. The main threat today would be strong wind, but there is enough shear and steep enough lapse rates for some marginally severe hail as well. And, heavy rain will be a threat again as the atmosphere remains rather moist. Precipitable water values are around 20 percent less than on Wednesday. However, this is still around 150 percent of normal. There are two other differences. One, there will be more 700 millibar flow, so storms should be faster moving, limiting the flooding threat more. And, unlike today, this looks like and earlier show, with almost all storms over by sunset as the shortwave exits the area stage east. Shortwave ridging should build over the area on Friday and bring a quieter day. Not a quiet day by any means, but quieter. Precipitable water fall to near of even below normal levels across much of the area. The current forecast is more than likely the wettest it will be, most locations, especially East of the Divide, will likely have a dry day. Southwest flow will increase ahead an incoming upper level, and downsloping flow should bring a warm to hot day to most of the area. Some of the lower elevations East of the Divide will likely see highs in the 90s on this day. With relative humidity falling into the into the teens across southern Wyoming, elevated fire weather looks likely in the afternoon. The aforementioned upper level low will begin to approach the area on Saturday. Most guidance has come into agreement in keeping the low largely west of Wyoming, and this should keep most of the precipitation across western Wyoming. Again, the current forecast East if the Divide is probably the wettest it will be, as downsloping flow will keep most of the day dry. The main concern will be across western Wyoming, where the best precipitation will be. And especially so from Saturday night into Sunday night. Much cooler air will move in here, dropping 700 millibar temperatures down to around minus 1 to minus 2, lowering snow levels to around 7500 to 8000 feet. Amounts don't look heavy, put there is a greater than 1 in 2 chance of an inch of snow above 9000 feet. So, if you are heading to the high country this weekend be prepared for some wet and cold conditions. Conditions should gradually dry out starting Monday as the upper level low continues to lift northward. This will be followed by southwest flow dominating early next week, bringing warm but not hot temperatures. A couple of shortwaves may bring a few showers or thunderstorms, but timing of the waves remains uncertain at this time. && .AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/... Issued at 1145 AM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026 A line of convective storms has already developed across western WY, moving eastward, and is now oriented from KCOD to KPNA/KBPI. Thunderstorms are expected at all TAF sites today, with MVFR conditions likely with lowered cloud heights. Gusty winds of 40-60 kts are possible with the storms today, as well as brief heavy rain and small hail. The strongest storms will impact KWRL/KLND/KRIW around 25/19-20Z, and KCPR around 25/21-22Z. Showers will linger today behind the storms, with breezy WNW winds, though easterly outflow winds east of the divide should dominate in the moister environment. KCOD/KWRL are expected to see another batch of showers and isolated thunderstorms during the early evening hours, with stray showers at KCOD for the rest of the night. Expecting MVFR, and perhaps IFR, low clouds at some TAF sites east of the divide, but much depends on precipitation intensity today. KCPR has the highest likelihood of IFR low clouds Friday morning due to moist easterly flow overnight. Friday will see the general flow becomes more southwesterly, with dry and gusty SW wind developing from SW WY to NE before 26/18Z. CAMs are indicating elevated convection developing over quite a large area between 26/18-21Z and moving NE. Gusty outflow winds could again be a large impact. A sharp cold front is then expected to move into western WY Friday evening, increasing chances for precipitation over western WY Friday night. Please see the Aviation Weather Center and/or CWSU ZDV and ZLC for the latest information on smoke, icing, and turbulence forecasts. && .RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None. && UPDATE...Gerhardt DISCUSSION...Hattings AVIATION...McDonald
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Riverton WY 1240 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026 WYZ011-251930- Southeast Johnson County- 1240 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL JOHNSON COUNTY THROUGH 130 PM MDT... At 1239 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Hole In The Wall, which is 10 miles south of Kaycee, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD...Half inch hail and very heavy rainfall. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of south central Johnson County, including ranches along TTT Ranch Road. This includes Interstate 25 between mile markers 236 and 249. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. && LAT...LON 4350 10628 4349 10678 4363 10681 4368 10645 TIME...MOT...LOC 1839Z 257DEG 15KT 4357 10670 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH CNJ
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
1253 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
WYZ015-017-018-251915-
Wind River Basin-Wind River Mountains East-Lander Foothills-
1253 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL FREMONT COUNTY THROUGH
115 PM MDT...
At 1252 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Lander, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph, nickel size hail, heavy
rainfall, and frequent lightning.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Lander around 1255 PM MDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4283 10883 4294 10843 4268 10837 4268 10846
4269 10847 4268 10850 4270 10852 4268 10853
4268 10880
TIME...MOT...LOC 1852Z 259DEG 30KT 4278 10874
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
GerhardtSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
102 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
WYZ007-017-251945-
Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains-Wind River Basin-
102 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL FREMONT COUNTY
THROUGH 145 PM MDT...
At 101 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Boysen State Park, which is 10 miles northwest of Shoshoni, moving
east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph, nickel size hail, frequent
lightning, and heavy rainfall.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Boysen State Park around 105 PM MDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
If on or near Boysen Reservoir, get out of the water and move
indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to
10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you
are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter
now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.
&&
LAT...LON 4325 10835 4345 10836 4349 10772 4317 10772
TIME...MOT...LOC 1901Z 270DEG 33KT 4333 10828
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
GerhardtSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
109 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
WYZ017-019-020-252000-
Wind River Basin-Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Natrona County
Lower Elevations-
109 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL NATRONA AND EASTERN
FREMONT COUNTIES THROUGH 200 PM MDT...
At 108 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Castle Gardens, which is 30 miles north of Jeffrey City, moving east
at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph, nickel size hail, frequent
lightning, and heavy rainfall.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of west central
Natrona and eastern Fremont Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4283 10765 4291 10770 4300 10764 4306 10737
4277 10736
TIME...MOT...LOC 1908Z 268DEG 14KT 4290 10762
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
GerhardtSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
124 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
WYZ011-020-252015-
Southeast Johnson County-Natrona County Lower Elevations-
124 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL NATRONA AND SOUTH
CENTRAL JOHNSON COUNTIES THROUGH 215 PM MDT...
At 124 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 14
miles west of Midwest, which is 17 miles south of Kaycee, moving east
at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of north central
Natrona and south central Johnson Counties.
This includes Interstate 25 between mile markers 227 and 238.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 4349 10677 4354 10660 4354 10628 4331 10645
TIME...MOT...LOC 1924Z 280DEG 7KT 4346 10655
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
RoweSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
130 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
WYZ004-006-008-252015-
Southeast Bighorn Basin-North Bighorn Basin-Bighorn Mountains West-
130 PM MDT Thu Jun 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN BIG HORN AND
NORTHEASTERN WASHAKIE COUNTIES THROUGH 215 PM MDT...
At 130 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles southwest of Hyattville, which is 14 miles northwest of Ten
Sleep, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern Big
Horn and northeastern Washakie Counties, including the following
locations... Leigh Creek Campground and Wigwam Fish Rearing Station.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 4404 10780 4421 10786 4437 10741 4405 10730
TIME...MOT...LOC 1930Z 252DEG 20KT 4414 10770
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
RoweThe Riverton/Lander radar (KRIW), 76 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:47 UTC.
3 thunderstorm wind, 2 hail, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
University of Wyoming students sent video of a brief QLCS tornado north of Jeffrey City. The tornado remained over open country and did no damage.
A 63 mph wind gust was recorded at the Camp Creek RAWS site.
The public reported quarter size hail to the south of Midwest.
Wind gusts as high as 61 mph were reported to the west of Alcova reservoir along Highway 220.
There were several reports of strong thunderstorm wind around Casper. The strongest gust was 67 mph at Scenic Drive on the south side of Casper.
A trained spotter reported nickel size hail the southeast of Cody.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Wyoming in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Wyoming, 2026Warnings in Wyoming, June 2026
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1352092, 1351619, 1351622, 1351620, 1351621, 1351623.