Cheyenne, WY – Friday will feel more like mid-summer than early October across southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle as temperatures surge into the upper 70s to low 90s, according to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne. Several cities, including Scottsbluff, Chadron, and Alliance, are forecast to approach or tie daily records.
The agency reports that Cheyenne could reach 80°F, with Scottsbluff possibly hitting 89°F and Chadron near 93°F. Records for these dates were originally set between 1926 and 2010. With dry and breezy conditions, fire danger will also be elevated Friday, prompting officials to urge caution with any outdoor activity that could spark flames.
Changes arrive quickly after the heat. A storm system is expected to move into the region late Friday night into Saturday, bringing numerous afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could produce strong winds, hail, and locally heavy rainfall.
By Sunday, much cooler conditions are forecast. Highs will drop into the 50s across much of Wyoming and western Nebraska, with a lull in precipitation possible early in the day before more showers develop in the evening. Snow is expected to mix in for the higher elevations of southeast Wyoming.
The weather service advises residents to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, from fire risk Friday to potentially severe thunderstorms Saturday and colder, wetter weather Sunday.
