CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Southeast Wyoming will see strong westerly winds this Thursday afternoon, particularly in wind-prone areas where gusts could reach up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has highlighted the increased risk of critical to near-critical fire weather conditions east of the Laramie Range due to these winds.
This weather situation is due to a shortwave moving southeast from the Pacific Northwest into the region, promoting gusty winds and raising the potential for critical fire weather conditions.
“We will see the return of afternoon highs in the mid-60s to low-70s for one more day this week along and east of I-25,” NWS Lead Forecaster Matthew Brothers states.
The NWS in Cheyenne has upgraded a few fire weather zones in the foothills of the Laramie Range to red flag warnings, signifying the likelihood of extended critical fire weather conditions. Other areas remain under watch, with possible brief periods of critical conditions.
A shift in weather is expected Friday, following a cold front that will bring gusty north winds, a relief from fire weather conditions and the possibility of light showers. This front will lead to a 10- to 20-degree drop in temperatures across east-central Wyoming and the northern Nebraska Panhandle.
“Chances for precipitation begin to increase Friday night,” brothers states. These increases will occur specifically in the Sierra Madre and Snowy ranges, as the area approaches the weekend.
The forecast for Saturday through Wednesday predicts an active weather period with daily chances for rain or snow showers, driven by a series of disturbances and a deep trough over the western United States. While significant precipitation amounts are unlikely, the evolving weather pattern suggests cooler temperatures and continued precipitation chances into early next week.
Detailed Forecast for Cheyenne
- Today: Expect sunny skies with a high near 62. It will be breezy, with a west wind of 15–20 mph and gusts potentially reaching as high as 30 mph.
- Tonight: The night will be partly cloudy with a low around 30. It’ll remain breezy, with a west wind of 15–20 mph shifting to the north-northwest at 5–10 mph after midnight. Wind gusts could still reach up to 30 mph.
- Friday: The day will be mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Winds from the northwest at 5–15 mph will become southerly in the afternoon.
- Friday Night: Expect mostly cloudy skies with a low around 30. A south-southeast wind will blow at 5–10 mph.
- Saturday: There’s a 30% chance of showers after noon. The day will be partly sunny, with a high near 59. A south-southwest wind will blow at 5–15 mph.
- Saturday Night: Showers are more likely, with a 40% chance, mainly before midnight. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
- Sunday: The day brings a mix of rain and snow showers before 11 a.m., then likely snow showers. It will be mostly cloudy and breezy with a high near 46. The chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Sunday Night: Snow showers are likely, mainly before midnight. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a blustery night with a low around 15.
- Monday: Snow showers may return, mainly after noon. The day will be partly sunny and breezy, with a high near 37.
- Monday Night: There’s a slight chance of snow showers before midnight. It will be mostly cloudy and blustery with a low around 18.
- Tuesday: Snow showers could occur under partly sunny skies and breezy conditions, with a high near 43.
- Tuesday Night: There’s another chance of snow showers under partly cloudy skies, with a low around 25.
- Wednesday: There is a slight chance of snow showers. Expect mostly sunny skies and breezy conditions with a high near 50.
