CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The National Weather Service in Cheyenne predicts scattered showers and thunderstorms in southeast Wyoming and the western Nebraska Panhandle today. The potential for strong to severe thunderstorms exists from 3 to 11 p.m. Large hail up to 2 inches in diameter and strong winds of up to 60 mph are possible. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Much cooler temperatures with widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday. Snow is likely above 8,000 feet, with a rain and snow mix possible down to 6,000 feet late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.
Showers and thunderstorms will continue throughout the week and weekend. Elevated winds are possible in wind-prone areas.
A surface cold front passed through early this morning, bringing cool northerly winds. Temperatures have dropped to the high 30s to mid-40s. Cloud cover is moving in from the Great Basin area, driven by the upper-level jet stream.
Today’s forecast is tricky due to overnight cloud cover impacting potential atmospheric instability. The upper and middle levels of the atmosphere will cool throughout the day. A strong upper-level trough will influence weather patterns, bringing light rain showers and potential severe weather.
Severe weather is expected along and east of the Laramie Range. Strong thunderstorms could initiate west of the Laramie Range and move eastward. Discrete supercells are possible. The strongest storms are likely near the Wyoming–Nebraska state line, moving eastward.
Localized heavy rain may follow the initial storms, particularly in the western Nebraska Panhandle. Rain showers will linger into Tuesday morning, with accumulating snow expected above 8,000 feet.
Tuesday will see another wave of rain showers and thunderstorms. Snowfall will struggle to accumulate during the day but may accumulate Tuesday night at higher elevations. Frost advisories may be issued for early Wednesday as surface high pressure and decreasing cloud cover occur.
An active weather pattern is expected to continue through the week, with several upper-level disturbances. Wednesday will see warming temperatures and isolated showers. Thursday will bring another trough or dip in the jet stream, causing more showers and thunderstorms.
Elevated winds and cooler temperatures will follow on Friday. Brief ridging on Saturday will increase temperatures, but showers and thunderstorms are still possible even with the jet stream arching northward, bringing warmer and drier air.
