CHEYENNE, Wyo. — As Cheyenne Border Days enters its final weekend, locals and visitors alike need to keep an eye on the skies. The National Weather Service in Cheyenne is predicting a major change in weather in the capital city, with monsoon moisture bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms from Friday afternoon into Saturday.
Cheyenne will experience increased shower and thunderstorm activity today. High-resolution guides indicate that convection coverage is greatest in the central third of the region during the afternoon and evening. While the chance of organized severe weather remains low, gusty winds and small hail are possible due to strong updrafts. Lenny Wilson fans should prepare for possible thunderstorms at tonight's concert.
This morning, a much-loved Border Day tradition was served with one last pancake breakfast before the rain began. Although foggy skies are expected, breakfast should go ahead, but not wet.
Another round of storms is expected on Saturday, possibly starting between noon and 6 p.m. CAPE values of up to 750 joules per kilogram improve instability, which can lead to stronger updrafts and small hail. CAPE (convective available potential energy) measures the energy available to a thunderstorm, with higher numbers indicating a greater likelihood of severe weather.
Cowboys and rodeo enthusiasts attending the afternoon rodeo should prepare for the possibility of wet and wild conditions later in the day, but those should be out of the way before Thomas Rhett takes the field .
By Sunday, dry air aloft will limit the chance of showers and thunderstorms, marking the start of a warming and drying trend. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible during the evening, especially near mountainous areas. As Border Day comes to an end, Sunday should be a sunny, clear day, perfect for the end of the festivities.
Temperatures are expected to be warmer early next week, with highs in the upper 80s west of Interstate 25 and 90 to near 100 degrees in the east. Monday and Tuesday will be dry, with no convection expected due to the heating hats. By Wednesday, temperatures will drop slightly as northeasterly winds bring more clouds, but no precipitation is expected.
