Cheyenne, Wyoming – Springlike warmth and powerful winds are set to dominate Wyoming and the western High Plains through Christmas week, creating near-record temperatures and increasing fire danger across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, high temperatures will surge into the 50s and 60s beginning Monday, running roughly 20 degrees above average for late December. Several locations in southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska may challenge or exceed daily record highs, including Cheyenne, Laramie, Rawlins, Scottsbluff, and Alliance.
The warmth will be accompanied by another round of strong winds. Gusts of 40 to 55 mph are expected across much of Wyoming, with wind-prone areas potentially seeing gusts as high as 55 to 75 mph. Parts of western Nebraska can also expect gusts between 25 and 45 mph, creating difficult travel conditions for high-profile vehicles along Interstate 25, Interstate 80, and east–west routes.
Dry conditions, limited snow cover, and gusty winds will elevate grassland wildfire danger early this week, especially during the afternoon hours. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and any spark could spread quickly under these conditions.
Near-record warmth may persist through Christmas Day before the next storm system brings a pattern change. Residents are encouraged to secure loose items, remain cautious with fire sources, and monitor updates as conditions evolve later in the week.
