Cheyenne, WY – Fires could ignite and spread rapidly across southeast Wyoming within hours as a Red Flag Warning takes effect Tuesday afternoon, driven by strong winds, low humidity, and the risk of dry thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, the warning is in effect from noon through 8 p.m., covering northern portions of the region including Douglas, Wheatland, and areas along the I-25 corridor. Wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph while humidity drops sharply, creating critical fire weather conditions.
Cheyenne, Laramie, and surrounding communities will see the most dangerous overlap between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., when dry fuels and gusty winds can allow any spark to spread quickly. There is also around a 15 percent chance of isolated dry thunderstorms, which could produce lightning without meaningful rainfall.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents should avoid activities that could create sparks, including equipment use and towing chains. Fires that start under these conditions can grow rapidly and become difficult to control.
Conditions are expected to improve after sunset as winds weaken, but elevated fire risk may linger into the evening. Additional alerts could be issued if conditions worsen.
