CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Southeast Wyoming is expected to experience increased fire weather risks as dry air and rising temperatures push into the region through the weekend. The National Weather Service in Cheyenne reports that conditions will become more conducive to wildfires, particularly on Friday and Saturday.
A cold front that passed through the area on Wednesday has brought cooler morning temperatures, with some areas near Saratoga dipping into the 40s. However, warmer air is already moving back into the region, particularly in the Platte River Valley, where temperatures are lingering in the 60s this morning.
Today, drier air will dominate much of the region, although scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible. The greatest chances for rain will occur along the Interstate 80 corridor and near the Colorado state line, while areas north of I-80 are expected to remain dry.
By Friday, fire weather concerns will increase significantly. With an upper ridge building into the region, the NWS in Cheyenne has issued a fire weather watch for parts of southeast Wyoming. Temperatures in Carbon and Albany counties are expected to rise into the mid-80s, while humidity will drop to dangerously low levels in the afternoon. Gusty winds, particularly in areas with stronger winds aloft, will further elevate fire risks.
Saturday will bring more of the same, with dry and breezy conditions expected to persist across the region. Stronger winds at the 700-millibar level, around 10,000 feet, could mix down to the surface, potentially leading to another day of elevated fire weather risks.
On Sunday, residents can expect a shift in the weather pattern. An increase in atmospheric moisture will bring scattered late-day showers and thunderstorms, particularly from the Snowy Range to far-southeast Wyoming. Precipitable water levels are expected to rise, bringing a higher chance of rainfall across the area.
Despite ridging aloft, this pattern of increased moisture will continue into Monday, with widespread showers and storms expected. The heaviest activity will be focused near the Colorado state line, although Tuesday should see a decrease in storm coverage.
Temperatures throughout the period are expected to remain seasonable, with highs ranging from the mid-80s to mid-90s. However, the potential for dry conditions and gusty winds will keep fire weather concerns high through at least Saturday.
Detailed Forecast for Cheyenne
- Today: There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Clouds will increase, with a high near 81. Winds will come from the west-northwest at 5–10 mph, shifting to the south-southwest in the afternoon.
- Tonight: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected, mainly between 7 and 11 p.m. The sky will be partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Winds will shift from the south to the west-southwest after midnight at around 5 mph.
- Friday: There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Skies will be mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Winds will blow from the west-southwest at 5–10 mph.
- Friday Night: The sky will be mostly clear, with a low around 55. Winds will shift from the northwest to the southwest in the evening, staying at around 5–10 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny and hot weather is expected, with a high near 91. Winds will start from the west at 5–10 mph before shifting to the south-southwest in the afternoon.
- Saturday Night: The sky will be partly cloudy, with a low near 59.
- Sunday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms will develop after noon. Skies will be partly sunny, with a high near 89.
- Sunday Night: There will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low near 59.
- Monday: Showers are likely, with the possibility of a thunderstorm after noon. Skies will be mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
- Monday Night: There will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Skies will be partly cloudy, with a low near 59.
- Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms will persist. Skies will be mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
- Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected. Skies will be partly cloudy, with a low near 58.
- Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms will continue. Skies will be mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
