SE Wyoming Facing Hazards From Strong Winds, Fire Danger

The Cheyenne Office of the National Weather Service is warning southeast Wyoming residents to brace for strong winds and elevated fire danger over the next few days.

The agency says winds of up to 65 miles per hour are possible over the next few days, including on the summit between Cheyenne and Laramie:

Greetings! High Wind Watches have been posted for tonight (Friday night) through Saturday night for the wind prone areas of southeast Wyoming. Westerly wind gusts in excess of 60-65 mph are possible, especially Saturday morning through the afternoon hours. These strong winds will pose an increased threat for blow offs and blow overs for light weight and high profile vehicles, including those towing camper trailers. Check back on later updates in the forecast as more areas could be added in later updates.

Those windy conditions, in turn, will contribute to a high fire danger that potentially could reach critical levels:

Howdy! Winds are the main story the next 5 days across southeast Wyoming and Nebraska Panhandle. A dry, breezy forecast in store with daily chances for elevated to critical fire weather conditions during the afternoon. Strong winds are possible tonight through Sunday morning for the wind prone areas of southeast Wyoming. High Wind Watches have been posted for these areas, where westerly wind gusts in excess of 65 mph are possible. Outside wind prone areas, gusts of 35 to 45 mph are expected with 30-40 mph gusts in the Panhandle. Warmer temperatures are on the way as well. Could see temperatures in the low 70s in the Panhandle by Tuesday.

Here is the Cheyenne forecast: