Cheyenne Faces Shifting Weather Risks: Wind, Fire Danger Ahead

Forecasters warn of potential for damaging winds, low humidity raising fire concerns in southeast Wyoming

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

A complex weather pattern is moving into southeast Wyoming, shifting from recent mountain snowfall to concerns about fire weather risks and potentially damaging winds in the coming days. While the immediate forecast includes a chance of showers, a drying trend coupled with strengthening winds is raising alarms for fire danger as early as Sunday.

Why it matters

The volatile weather conditions underscore the challenges facing the region, with the National Weather Service grappling with staffing shortages that have forced the temporary closure of the Wyoming office overnight. The rapid transition from winter precipitation to fire weather risks highlights the need for residents and authorities to stay vigilant and prepared.

The details

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne reports a 30 percent chance of showers on Friday, primarily after noon, with temperatures expected to reach a high near 51°F. However, a warming trend over the weekend is setting the stage for a more significant change in conditions. Looking ahead to early next week, the NWS is highlighting the potential for strong winds, with a 40 to 60 percent chance of high winds predicted for Tuesday in wind-prone areas, with gusts potentially exceeding 60 mph. Alongside the increasing wind speeds, a concerning trend of drying conditions is developing, with minimum relative humidity values potentially dropping below 20 percent starting Sunday. This combination of dry air and strong winds significantly elevates fire weather risks, and a Red Flag Warning may be issued for areas east of Cheyenne.

  • Today (February 12): A 30% chance of showers, mainly after noon.
  • Friday: A 20% chance of showers after 11 a.m.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 57.
  • Tuesday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and monitoring in the United States.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and may issue a Red Flag Warning for areas east of Cheyenne if the fire weather risks escalate.

The takeaway

The rapid shift from winter weather to potential fire danger in Cheyenne highlights the unpredictable nature of the region's climate and the importance of residents and authorities staying informed and prepared for changing conditions. The staffing challenges facing the National Weather Service also underscore the need for robust weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities to ensure public safety.