CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a red flag warning for today, extending from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., as fire weather conditions persist across southeast Wyoming, including Cheyenne and Laramie County. Strong west winds combined with low humidity are creating an increased risk for fire spread.
West winds in the affected areas are expected to range from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph in wind-prone areas like Bordeaux, which has already reported 35 mph wind gusts and humidity levels as low as 12% early this morning. These conditions are set to continue through the day, raising concerns about any fires that develop, which are likely to spread rapidly.
Critical fire weather conditions are ongoing this morning, according to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne’s early-morning update. The warning, which covers fire zones 430–433 for southeast Wyoming and fire zones 436 and 437 for western Nebraska, emphasizes that these zones are at high risk due to the combination of strong winds, warm temperatures and very low humidity. Any fires that start under these conditions will be difficult to control.
A combination of poor overnight humidity recovery — ranging from 8% to 15% — and persistent windy conditions is driving the fire weather alert. Winds will remain strong through the day, with gusts potentially reaching 60 mph in some areas of southeast Wyoming by midday. The strongest winds are expected between now and 1 p.m., and gusts are likely to remain above 35 mph for most of the day.
Later this afternoon, a dry cold front will move into the region from the north and northeast, which could shift the wind direction across Cheyenne and other parts of southeast Wyoming. This shift is expected to reduce the fire weather risks slightly, but the National Weather Service in Cheyenne noted that conditions will remain dry and the fire threat could return quickly once the winds pick up again. Residents should be prepared for continued fire weather risks throughout the week.
High temperatures in Cheyenne will reach around 84 degrees today, contributing to the dry and warm conditions. Skies will remain mostly clear overnight, with lows dropping to around 43 degrees. Winds will weaken slightly overnight but will remain strong enough to sustain fire weather concerns into Thursday.
The forecast for Thursday indicates cooler conditions, with a high near 63 degrees and winds shifting from the north-northwest to the east-southeast later in the afternoon. While the brief wind shift may provide temporary relief from the worst fire risks, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne expects fire weather headlines to return by Friday as strong westerly winds pick up again.
Friday’s forecast includes a high near 77 degrees with gusty south winds at 10–15 mph. Fire weather conditions are expected to intensify, leading to another round of red flag warnings. Overnight lows will be warmer, hovering around 49 degrees, which could further reduce humidity recovery during the night.
As a precaution, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne recommends that residents in fire-prone areas avoid any activities that could ignite fires. With winds gusting and humidity levels remaining critically low, the potential for rapid fire spread is a significant concern through the end of the week.
The long-term outlook for the region indicates warm, dry and breezy conditions persisting into early next week. By Sunday, temperatures in Cheyenne are expected to remain in the 70s, with a slight dip in fire weather risks as the wind weakens somewhat. However, the risk for fire will remain elevated as long as dry conditions and high winds continue.
Detailed Forecast for Cheyenne
- Today: It will be sunny, with a high near 84. It will be breezy, with west-northwest winds at 15–25 mph and gusts as high as 30 mph.
- Tonight: Skies will be clear, with a low around 43. West-northwest winds will blow at 10–15 mph.
- Thursday: Expect sunny conditions, with a high near 63. North-northwest winds at 10–15 mph will shift to the east-southeast in the afternoon.
- Thursday Night: The night will be mostly clear, with a low around 40. East-southeast winds at 5–10 mph will shift to the south after midnight.
- Friday: It will be sunny, with a high near 77. South winds will blow at 10–15 mph.
- Friday Night: Skies will remain clear, with a low around 49.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 78. It will be breezy.
- Saturday Night: Expect clear skies, with a low around 39.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 72.
- Sunday Night: Skies will be clear, with a low around 42.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
