Sunday’s heat delivered some of the hottest temperatures western Wyoming has seen in years, with communities across Star Valley and southern Lincoln County climbing into the mid- to upper-90s as a prolonged heat wave settled over the region. The National Weather Service issued Extreme Heat Warnings for portions of the area as hot, dry conditions persisted.

Official National Weather Service observations recorded a high of 93 degrees at the Afton Airport, 99 degrees in Alpine, and 95 degrees at the Kemmerer Airport on Sunday, July 12. Although Thayne lacks an official reporting site, residents there also experienced well above-average temperatures.

While Sunday’s readings did not break records, they ranked among the hottest temperatures on file for several communities.

According to historical climate records maintained by the National Weather Service in Riverton, Afton’s record high remains 97 degrees, set in 2002. Climate records for Afton date back to 1957, making Sunday’s 93-degree reading one of the warmer temperatures observed over nearly seven decades.

In Bedford, where observations have been collected since 1975, Sunday’s high reached 97 degrees, just one degree shy of the community’s record of 98 degrees, established in 2001.

Kemmerer also approached its historical mark. Sunday’s official high of 95 degrees remained four degrees below the record of 99 degrees, set in 1990. Climate records for Kemmerer date back to 1990.

While several official observing stations in western Wyoming have stopped reporting over the past two months, Sunday’s observations provided a snapshot of just how intense the current heat wave has become. Temperatures in many areas climbed well above normal for mid-July.

To learn more and stay informed, visit www.weather.gov/riw.