Cheyenne, WY — Southeastern Wyoming is under a Fire Weather Watch today, with conditions expected to worsen into Friday afternoon. Forecasters have warned of critical fire weather, driven by gusty winds between 25 to 35 mph and humidity levels dropping as low as 7%. The watch is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and remain vigilant, as the risk of fire spread will be high, particularly along highways like I-80 and rural areas.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Cheyenne, the conditions result from a cold front moving eastward through the state, bringing southwest winds and rising temperatures. The combination of dry air and strong gusts creates a dangerous environment for fires to ignite and spread quickly. Outdoor activities that involve flames or sparks should be avoided, and emergency services may be limited due to the potential fire hazard.
Looking ahead to the weekend, temperatures are expected to rise, with continued dry conditions. Winds may subside slightly by Saturday, but the fire risk will persist into the weekend. Southeastern Wyoming remains particularly vulnerable due to the ongoing dry spell; Cheyenne and nearby areas have recorded some of the warmest and driest September conditions on record.
Be prepared for any fire-related alerts and stay informed with up-to-the-minute updates from local authorities. Residents should be especially cautious if traveling through fire-prone areas, and those living in rural regions are advised to prepare for possible evacuations should a wildfire occur.
