Cheyenne, Wyoming – Record-breaking warmth was observed across portions of southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle on Saturday as unseasonably mild temperatures surged through the region.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Cheyenne, record high temperatures were set in multiple locations on February 7. Laramie reached a new daily record high of 60 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 57 degrees set in 2015. Rawlins also broke a record, climbing to 58 degrees, topping its former record of 57 degrees from 2015.
Farther east, Alliance, Nebraska set a new record high of 63 degrees, exceeding the long-standing record of 61 degrees that dated back to 1904. Some of the records broken Saturday had stood for more than a century, highlighting the unusual nature of the warmth for early February.
The warm temperatures were driven by a persistent mild air mass and downslope winds across the High Plains. Afternoon conditions felt more like early spring than mid-winter, particularly along major travel corridors such as Interstate 80, Interstate 25, and U.S. Highway 385.
While the warmth itself did not create direct travel hazards, officials note that unusually warm and dry conditions can contribute to other risks, including elevated fire weather concerns in open and grassland areas. Residents are urged to remain mindful of changing conditions during periods of record warmth.
The National Weather Service emphasized that while records were broken Saturday, temperature patterns can shift quickly during February. Cooler conditions are expected to return later in the forecast period.
For commuters, outdoor workers, and travelers, Saturday’s warmth provided a temporary break from winter cold, but officials caution that winter weather is not finished for the season.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring forecasts as conditions evolve and to remain prepared for rapid changes typical of late winter weather across the High Plains.
