High Wind Watch, Fire Weather Watch issued for region as winter weather looms

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch and a Fire Weather Watch for portions of southeast Wyoming, the Nebraska Panhandle and northeast Colorado as a dynamic weather pattern is expected to impact the region through midweek.

A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from late Monday night through Tuesday afternoon for counties in the Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado. Forecasters said southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph Monday morning will increase to 25 to 40 mph from the west by late morning Tuesday, with gusts up to 65 mph possible. Relative humidity is expected to fall between 13% and 20%.

The highest fire threat is forecast just east of the Laramie Range across southeast Wyoming and along the Interstate 25 corridor. Any fires that develop are expected to spread rapidly, and outdoor burning is not recommended.

A High Wind Watch is also in effect Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon for Banner, Kimball and northern Sioux counties in Nebraska, as well as Niobrara, Goshen and eastern Laramie counties in Wyoming. West winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are possible. Similar conditions are expected across portions of northeast Colorado, including Sterling, Fort Morgan and surrounding communities.

Forecasters said strong crosswinds may create hazardous travel conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles, and could result in blowing dust and isolated power outages.

Looking ahead, moderate to heavy mountain snowfall is expected Tuesday through Thursday above 8,500 feet, with a Winter Storm Watch in effect for the Snowy and Sierra Madre ranges. Snow squalls are possible west of the Laramie Range Tuesday morning with a cold front passage.

Snowfall may extend onto the Plains Wednesday into Thursday, followed by temperatures falling below seasonal averages late in the week.