CHEYENNE, Wyoming – A shift in weather patterns is bringing a complex forecast to southeast Wyoming, moving from recent mountain snowfall to concerns about fire weather risks and potentially damaging winds in the coming days. While the immediate forecast includes a chance of showers, a drying trend coupled with strengthening winds is raising alarms for fire danger as early as Sunday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Cheyenne reports a 30 percent chance of showers today, , primarily after noon. Temperatures are expected to reach a high near 51°F (10.5°C). Pacific moisture is influencing the region, driven by a low-pressure system over California. This moisture has already delivered significant snowfall to the mountains, with accumulations ranging from 8 to 13 inches, but lower elevations are expected to see lighter precipitation – rain and scattered snow showers – through this evening.
The cooler, wetter conditions are expected to be temporary. Temperatures are forecast to remain above seasonal averages through the weekend, with highs reaching the low 50s on both Friday and Saturday under partly sunny skies. This warming trend, however, is setting the stage for a more significant change in conditions.
Looking ahead to early next week, the NWS is highlighting the potential for strong winds. A 40 to 60 percent chance of high winds is predicted for Tuesday in wind-prone areas of southeast Wyoming, with gusts potentially exceeding 60 mph. This forecast is based on internal guidance from the weather service and represents a significant shift from the current conditions.
Alongside the increasing wind speeds, a concerning trend of drying conditions is developing. Meteorologists indicate that minimum relative humidity values could drop below 20 percent starting Sunday. This combination of dry air and strong winds significantly elevates fire weather risks, and a Red Flag Warning may be issued for areas east of Cheyenne. The potential for rapid fire spread will be a key concern for local authorities.
The unsettled weather is expected to continue through Tuesday night, with the possibility of further rain and snow showers as another weather system moves through the area. This ongoing fluctuation in conditions underscores the complexity of the forecast and the need for continued monitoring.
Detailed Forecast
- Today: A 30% chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. West wind 5–10 mph.
- Tonight: A 40% chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. West southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: A 20% chance of showers after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Friday Night: A 20% chance of showers before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 27. Northwest wind 5–10 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 53. West northwest wind around 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 57.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.
- Washington’s Birthday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
- Monday Night: A slight chance of showers after 11 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
- Tuesday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy.
- Tuesday Night: A chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Breezy.
- Wednesday: A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Breezy.
More detailed information is available on the National Weather Service website: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=41.1348&lon=-104.8215#.YsWSRnbMJEY.
The changing weather conditions come as the National Weather Service grapples with staffing shortages. Recent reports indicate that the Wyoming office was forced to close overnight due to a lack of personnel, raising concerns about the continuity of critical weather monitoring and forecasting services. While the Cheyenne office remains operational, the broader issue of staffing within the NWS highlights potential vulnerabilities in the nation’s weather warning system.
The shift from winter precipitation to potential fire weather conditions in such a short timeframe is a reminder of the volatile nature of weather in the Mountain West. Local residents and authorities are urged to stay informed about the latest forecasts and to take appropriate precautions, particularly regarding fire safety, as the week progresses.
