SIDNEY, Neb. — A wave of unseasonably warm weather swept through western Nebraska and southeastern Wyoming on Thursday, breaking high temperature records in multiple communities.

According to the National Weather Service office in Cheyenne, Cheyenne hit 73 degrees, topping the previous record of 72 set in 1986. Laramie soared to 71 degrees, surpassing its old record of 68 set in 2012 — tying the city’s monthly high temperature record. Rawlins also set a new high at 72 degrees, beating the 2022 mark of 70.

In Nebraska, Chadron reached a scorching 85 degrees, crushing the 1946 record of 80 and tying its warmest March day on record. Scottsbluff climbed to 83 degrees, nudging past its 1988 record of 82.

In Sidney, the mercury rose to 81 degrees, breaking the previous March 27 record of 79 set in 1988. Alliance tied for the biggest jump, hitting 83 degrees and shattering the old record of 77, which had stood since 1916.

However, the warm and dry streak is short-lived.

A significant shift in weather is expected beginning Friday night, with increasing clouds and a high near 79 during the day. Showers are likely after midnight as temperatures drop into the upper 30s. Rain and snow are expected throughout the weekend, with highs dropping to the mid-40s by Sunday and lows dipping into the 20s.