Tornado risk rises for Cheyenne today: storms may also produce large hail

Cheyenne faces an elevated severe-weather threat this afternoon as the National Weather Service in Cheyenne warns of storms capable of producing tornadoes, very large hail and destructive winds. The timing and intensity of these storms make this a day to monitor conditions closely, especially for anyone with outdoor plans or travel across southeast Wyoming.

Forecasters expect thunderstorms to organize between early and mid-afternoon and then push eastward across the region. The NWS cautions that isolated tornadoes are possible, winds could reach damaging levels, and hailstones may be unusually large.

Temperatures will warm into the low 70s after morning fog lifts, and precipitation chances remain around 50 percent through midnight. Lows tonight should fall into the low 50s.

Threats and immediate impacts

The primary hazards today are straightforward but potentially severe. Prepare for sudden shifts in conditions and brief windows of intense weather.

• Tornadoes: Isolated twisters cannot be ruled out — follow any watches or warnings issued by the NWS.
• Damaging winds: Gusts could become strong enough to topple trees and damage structures; expect localized power outages and travel disruptions.
• Large hail: Hail the size of a baseball or larger may occur, posing risks to vehicles, roofs and crops.
• Flash flooding: Heavy downpours from midweek storms could cause rapid runoff, with burn-scarred terrain especially vulnerable to sudden flooding.

Those living or working outdoors should secure loose items, move vehicles under cover if possible, and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts on short notice.

Short-term outlook (day-by-day)

• Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon (about 50% chance). Some storms could be severe. Highs near 74°F with breezy winds shifting through the afternoon.
• Tonight: Periods of shower and thunderstorm activity continue (50% chance). Patchy fog may redevelop before morning; lows near 52°F.
• Wednesday: Widespread showers and a chance of thunderstorms, with a greater coverage by midday and a 70% precipitation probability. Highs around 74°F.
• Wednesday night: Showers likely, some lingering thunder; precipitation chances rise to roughly 80%. Lows about 52°F.
• Thursday: Continued chance of showers and storms with an 80% likelihood; cooler high near 72°F.
• Thursday night: Periodic showers and a thunder threat before midnight; lows in the upper 40s.
• Friday: Drier air begins to move in. Mostly sunny with a smaller storm chance (~30%) and highs climbing toward the low 80s.
• Weekend: A warming trend is expected, with Sunday and Saturday highs in the mid to upper 80s and breezy southwest winds — conditions that raise fire-weather concerns by Saturday.

Midweek storms pose two separate risks: localized flooding from heavy rain and severe-wind/hail cells. Areas below recent wildfires require particular attention because burned slopes shed water more quickly, increasing flash-flood potential.

For the latest watches and warnings, consult the National Weather Service in Cheyenne and keep a close eye on changing conditions through this afternoon and into midweek.