Cheyenne, Wyoming – Wyoming is expected to experience a warmer and more active weather pattern between July 23 and July 27, with above-normal temperatures expanding across much of the Cowboy State while periodic showers and thunderstorms develop during the afternoon and evening hours. The pattern will bring a taste of midsummer heat along with localized heavy rainfall, gusty winds and frequent lightning, particularly over higher terrain and adjacent plains.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, in its 6-10 Day Outlook issued July 17, Wyoming is favored to experience above-normal temperatures during the July 23-27 period. The state is also included in an area favoring above-normal precipitation, increasing the likelihood of more widespread showers and thunderstorms than is typical for late July.
In Cheyenne, afternoon temperatures are expected to climb above seasonal averages as warmer air spreads across the central Rockies and High Plains. Daytime heating will help fuel scattered thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening, with some capable of producing brief heavy rainfall, gusty outflow winds and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning. Travelers along Interstate 80 should be prepared for rapidly changing visibility and slick roads during heavier downpours.
Across central Wyoming, Casper is expected to see a similar pattern with warmer-than-average afternoons followed by increasing thunderstorm chances later in the day. Storms developing over the surrounding mountains may drift into lower elevations, bringing locally heavy rain, small hail and wind gusts strong enough to impact outdoor recreation and travel. While rainfall will not be continuous, isolated locations could receive significant precipitation in a short period where storms linger.
The warmer and wetter pattern is expected to extend across Wyoming, including Laramie, Rock Springs, Gillette, Sheridan, Cody, Riverton, Jackson and Evanston. Mountain communities may experience more numerous afternoon storms, while lower elevations will see periods of sunshine interrupted by fast-developing thunderstorms. Outdoor enthusiasts should remain alert for lightning, especially in higher elevations where storms can develop quickly.
Although the Climate Prediction Center outlook does not pinpoint the exact timing or location of individual thunderstorms, confidence continues to increase that Wyoming will remain in a warmer-than-normal and wetter-than-normal pattern through July 27. Residents and visitors should stay hydrated during the afternoon heat and monitor National Weather Service forecasts for updated thunderstorm, severe weather and localized flood advisories as conditions evolve.
