Cheyenne, Wyoming – Temperatures could climb into the upper 70s to low 80s by Thursday afternoon in Cheyenne, bringing a burst of early-season warmth as a powerful ridge of high pressure builds across the western United States during the first full days of spring.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the developing weather pattern Wednesday through Sunday, March 18–22, favors temperatures 15 to 25 degrees above mid-March averages across much of Wyoming. Cheyenne may reach the upper 70s or near 80°F, while central Wyoming communities including Casper and Riverton could see highs pushing into the mid to upper 70s.
Northern areas of the state, including Sheridan and Gillette, may also experience milder-than-normal afternoons with temperatures climbing into the 60s and lower 70s under mostly clear skies.
The warming trend will arrive alongside very limited precipitation chances. Climate outlooks show below-normal precipitation probabilities across much of the Rockies and central United States, allowing dry air and strong sunshine to drive rapid afternoon warming.
Wind may also become a factor across Wyoming’s open plains. Afternoon gusts between 30 and 45 mph are possible across eastern Wyoming and along major travel routes such as Interstate 25 and Interstate 80. Combined with humidity levels dropping below 20 percent, the setup could increase the risk for rapidly spreading grass fires in some areas.
While the Rockies warm significantly, other parts of the country remain closer to seasonal norms. New England states, Michigan and Florida are expected to stay near average, while northern New England and the Pacific Northwest show stronger chances for above-normal rainfall during the same period.
Forecasters say the western heat surge may peak late in the week before larger atmospheric changes begin shifting conditions across the region early the following week.
