CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Residents along and east of the Laramie Range are bracing for a significant shift in weather patterns as winds are set to increase sharply, with gusts potentially reaching up to 65 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne.
This unusual north-northwest wind event will affect areas including Niobrara and Sioux counties, which typically do not experience high wind gusts. High wind warnings have been extended across these regions.
A strong cold front dropping from central Montana late Wednesday will introduce much colder temperatures and the possibility of snow through Saturday. This system brings the potential for lower-elevation snows, according to the NWS in Cheyenne. The capital city could see snowfall starting Wednesday as temperatures drop below seasonal averages.
The incoming system will also cause temperatures to plummet, dropping as low as 15; these below-average temps will persist through the weekend. Snow accumulations are expected, primarily in higher terrains, although lower elevations might also receive a dusting.
The weather will remain unsettled into the weekend, dominated by cloudier and wetter conditions. However, a ridge building over the western United States may herald the return of warmer and drier weather by next week.
Detailed Forecast for Cheyenne
- Today: Showers are expected mainly before 9 a.m. with a high near 58. It will be windy, with a northwest wind at 35–40 mph decreasing to 25–30 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts could reach as high as 60 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%, with new precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch possible.
- Tonight: The evening will be mostly clear, with a low around 37. Conditions will be breezy, with a west-northwest wind at 15–25 mph decreasing to 5–15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
- Wednesday: There’s a chance of showers between noon and 3 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3. Some storms could produce gusty winds. Clouds will increase, with a high near 59. It will be breezy, with a west wind at 10–15 mph increasing to 15–20 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts could reach as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%.
- Wednesday Night: Rain showers are likely before 8 p.m., followed by likely rain and snow showers between 8 and 10 p.m. and likely snow showers after 10 p.m. Thunder is also possible. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Conditions will be blustery, with a north wind at 15–20 mph decreasing to 10–15 mph after midnight. Wind gusts could reach as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%, with less than an inch of new snow accumulation possible.
- Thursday: There’s a 40% chance of snow. The day will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Winds will be from the north-northeast at around 10 mph, shifting to the east in the afternoon.
- Thursday Night: Snow is possible with a 50% chance of precipitation. Expect mostly cloudy skies, with a low around 27.
- Friday: Snow is possible with a 50% chance of precipitation. It will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.
- Friday Night: Snow is likely. The evening will be mostly cloudy with a low around 25.
- Saturday: Snow is likely mainly before noon. It will be mostly cloudy with a high near 40.
- Saturday Night: There’s a slight chance of snow before midnight. Skies will be partly cloudy with a low around 25.
- Sunday: Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 57.
- Sunday Night: The night will be partly cloudy with a low around 33.
- Monday: There’s a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms under mostly sunny skies, alongside a high near 64.
