Alert archive / Nebraska / Red Flag Warnings in 2026

Red Flag Warning 8, NWS Cheyenne, WY

March 16, 20266 counties in Nebraska; Goshen County, Laramie County, Platte County, Wyoming

NWS Cheyenne, WY issued this red flag warning at Mar 16, 2026, 11:29 AM MDT for 6 counties in Nebraska; Goshen County, Laramie County, Platte County, Wyoming. It took effect at Mar 17, 2026, 10:00 AM MDT. It was in force for 10 hr. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Mar 16, 2026, 11:29 AM MDT (17:29 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 17, 2026, 10:00 AM MDT
Expired
Mar 17, 2026, 7:31 PM MDT
In force
10 hr
Issued by
NWS Cheyenne, WY

Counties Banner County, NE, Cheyenne County, NE, Kimball County, NE, Morrill County, NE, Scotts Bluff County, NE, Sioux County, NE, Goshen County, WY, Laramie County, WY, Platte County, WY

The radar

The Cheyenne radar (KCYS), 100 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 17:26 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Mar 17, 10:02 AM MDTNON-TSTM WND GST 581 Nnw Whitaker, WYMesonet station KWTR 0.6 NW Whitaker (WYDOT).
Mar 17, 10:26 AM MDTNON-TSTM WND GST 587 Sw Federal, WYMesonet station WY48 7.4 SW Federal (WYDOT).
Mar 17, 10:36 AM MDTNON-TSTM WND GST 585 E Buford, WYMesonet station WY29 4.8 E Buford (WYDOT).

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Riverton, WY (KRIW), launched 12:00Z, 5.5 hours before the alert went out and 400 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Riverton, WY at 12:00Z on 2026-03-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Riverton, WY at 12:00Z on 2026-03-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 326 square meters per square second.1939587897117136156Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1701 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
72 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
326 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
334 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

973 
WWUS85 KCYS 161729
RFWCYS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
1129 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...TWO PART FIRE WEATHER WATCH...

.PART ONE WILL FEATURE STRONG WINDS AND MARGINAL RELATIVE HUMIDITY,
PART TWO WILL FEATURE GUSTY WINDS, CRITICAL RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND
POOR OVERNIGHT HUMIDITY RECOVERIES.

NEZ437-WYZ430-431-171200-
/O.UPG.KCYS.FW.A.0005.260317T1600Z-260318T0200Z/
/O.NEW.KCYS.FW.W.0008.260317T1600Z-260318T0200Z/
/O.EXT.KCYS.FW.A.0006.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Lodgepole Creek/Southern Nebraska Panhandle-
Laramie Foothills and High Plains-Laramie East High Plains-
1129 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM MDT TUESDAY FOR
STRONG WIND GUSTS...
 
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING 
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY WITH STRONG AND GUSTY 
WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 430, 431, AND 437...

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT Tuesday. The
Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. 

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 430, 431, and 437.

* WIND...For the Red Flag Warning, 30 to 35 mph sustained winds
  gusting up to 60 mph. For the Fire Weather Watch, 20 to 30 mph 
  sustained winds, gusting up to 45 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...For the Red Flag Warning, 18 to 22 percent. For the
  Fire Weather Watch, 10 to 15 percent. 

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are
  expected for the duration of the Fire Weather Watch. Well above
  average temperatures are also expected which will contribute
  considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

NEZ434>436-WYZ417>419-432-433-171200-
/O.EXT.KCYS.FW.A.0006.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Pine Ridge/Nebraska National Forest-
Box Butte/South Sioux/Niobrara River-
Lower North Platte River Basin/Scottsbluff National Monument-
Niobrara/Lower Elevations of Converse/Thunder Basin National
Grassland-
Middle North Platte River Basin/Niobrara and Converse High Plains-
North Laramie Range and Adjacent High Plains-
Bordeaux/Chugwater/Wheatland-Goshen/Middle-
Lower North Platte River Basin-
1129 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR CRITICAL HUMIDITY AND BREEZY WINDS
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 417, 418, 419, 432, 433, 434, 435, AND
436...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 417, 418, 419, 432, 433, 
  434, 435, and 436. 

* WIND...Sustained winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...10 to 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are
  expected for the duration of the Fire Weather Watch. Well above
  average temperatures are also expected which will contribute
  considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$
4 follow-up statements
496 
WWUS85 KCYS 170612
RFWCYS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
1212 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...TWO PART FIRE WEATHER WATCH...

.PART ONE WILL FEATURE STRONG WINDS AND MARGINAL RELATIVE
HUMIDITY, PART TWO WILL FEATURE GUSTY WINDS, CRITICAL RELATIVE
HUMIDITY AND POOR OVERNIGHT HUMIDITY RECOVERIES.

NEZ436-WYZ432-433-171400-
/O.EXA.KCYS.FW.W.0008.260317T1600Z-260318T0200Z/
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.A.0006.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Lower North Platte River Basin/Scottsbluff National Monument-
Bordeaux/Chugwater/Wheatland-Goshen/Middle-
Lower North Platte River Basin-
1212 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM MDT
THIS EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY WITH STRONG AND GUSTY WINDS FOR 
FIRE WEATHER ZONES 432, 433, AND 436...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING 
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY, GUSTY WINDS, AND POOR 
OVERNIGHT HUMIDITY RECOVERIES FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 432, 433, 
AND 436...

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM this morning to 8 PM MDT
this evening. 

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 432, 433, and 436. 

* WIND...For the Red Flag Warning, sustained winds 25 to 30 mph,
  gusting up to 40 mph. For the Fire Weather Watch, sustained 
  winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...For the Red Flag Warning, 18 to 22 percent. For the
  Fire Weather Watch, 10 to 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are 
  expected for the duration of the Fire Weather Watch. Well 
  above average temperatures are also expected which will 
  contribute considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

NEZ437-WYZ430-431-171400-
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.W.0008.260317T1600Z-260318T0200Z/
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.A.0006.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Lodgepole Creek/Southern Nebraska Panhandle-
Laramie Foothills and High Plains-Laramie East High Plains-
1212 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
8 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND GUSTY WINDS FOR FIRE 
WEATHER ZONES 430, 431, AND 437...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING 
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY, GUSTY WINDS, AND POOR
OVERNIGHT HUMIDITY RECOVERIES FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 430, 431, 
AND 437...

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM MDT Tuesday. The
Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 430, 431, and 437.

* WIND...For the Red Flag Warning, 30 to 35 mph sustained winds 
  gusting up to 60 mph. For the Fire Weather Watch, 20 to 30 
  mph sustained winds, gusting up to 45 mph.

* HUMIDITY...For the Red Flag Warning, 18 to 22 percent. For 
  the Fire Weather Watch, 10 to 15 percent. 

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are 
  expected for the duration of the Fire Weather Watch. Well 
  above average temperatures are also expected which will 
  contribute considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

NEZ434-435-WYZ417>419-171400-
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.A.0006.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Pine Ridge/Nebraska National Forest-
Box Butte/South Sioux/Niobrara River-
Niobrara/Lower Elevations of Converse/Thunder Basin National
Grassland-
Middle North Platte River Basin/Niobrara and Converse High Plains-
North Laramie Range and Adjacent High Plains-
1212 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY, GUSTY WINDS, AND POOR
OVERNIGHT HUMIDITY RECOVERIES FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 417, 418, 
419, 434, AND 435...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 417, 418, 419, 432, 433, 434,
  and 435. 

* WIND...Sustained winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...10 to 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are 
  expected for the duration of the Fire Weather Watch. Well 
  above average temperatures are also expected which will 
  contribute considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$
440 
WWUS85 KCYS 170617
RFWCYS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
1217 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...TWO PART FIRE WEATHER WATCH...

.PART ONE WILL FEATURE STRONG WINDS AND MARGINAL RELATIVE
HUMIDITY, PART TWO WILL FEATURE GUSTY WINDS, CRITICAL RELATIVE
HUMIDITY AND POOR OVERNIGHT HUMIDITY RECOVERIES.

NEZ436-437-WYZ430>433-180000-
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.W.0008.260317T1600Z-260318T0200Z/
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.A.0006.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Lower North Platte River Basin/Scottsbluff National Monument-
Lodgepole Creek/Southern Nebraska Panhandle-
Laramie Foothills and High Plains-Laramie East High Plains-
Bordeaux/Chugwater/Wheatland-Goshen/Middle-
Lower North Platte River Basin-
1217 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
8 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY WITH STRONG AND GUSTY
WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 430, 431, 432, 433, 436, AND 437...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY WITH STRONG AND GUSTY
WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 430, 431, 432, 433, 436, AND 437...

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM this morning to 8 PM MDT
this evening.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 430, 431, 432, 433, 436, and
  437.

* WIND...For the Red Flag Warning, sustained winds 25 to 30 
  mph, gusting up to 40 mph. For the Fire Weather Watch, 
  sustained winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...For the Red Flag Warning, 18 to 22 percent. For 
  the Fire Weather Watch, 10 to 15 percent. 

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are 
  expected for the duration of the Fire Weather Watch. Well 
  above average temperatures are also expected which will 
  contribute considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

NEZ434-435-WYZ417>419-180000-
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.A.0006.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Pine Ridge/Nebraska National Forest-
Box Butte/South Sioux/Niobrara River-
Niobrara/Lower Elevations of Converse/Thunder Basin National
Grassland-
Middle North Platte River Basin/Niobrara and Converse High Plains-
North Laramie Range and Adjacent High Plains-
1217 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY, GUSTY WINDS, AND POOR
OVERNIGHT HUMIDITY RECOVERIES FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 417, 418,
419, 434, AND 435...

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 417, 418, 419, 432, 433, 
  434,and 435. 

* WIND...Sustained winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...10 to 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are 
  expected for the duration of the Fire Weather Watch. Well 
  above average temperatures are also expected which will 
  contribute considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$
215 
WWUS85 KCYS 171729
RFWCYS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
1129 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...TWO PART FIRE WEATHER WATCH...

.PART ONE WILL FEATURE STRONG WINDS AND MARGINAL RELATIVE
HUMIDITY, PART TWO WILL FEATURE GUSTY WINDS, CRITICAL RELATIVE
HUMIDITY AND POOR OVERNIGHT HUMIDITY RECOVERIES.

NEZ436-437-WYZ430>433-180600-
/O.UPG.KCYS.FW.A.0006.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
/O.NEW.KCYS.FW.W.0009.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260318T0200Z/
Lower North Platte River Basin/Scottsbluff National Monument-
Lodgepole Creek/Southern Nebraska Panhandle-
Laramie Foothills and High Plains-Laramie East High Plains-
Bordeaux/Chugwater/Wheatland-Goshen/Middle-
Lower North Platte River Basin-
1129 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR LOW HUMIDITY WITH STRONG AND GUSTY WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONES 430, 431, 432, 433, 436, AND 437...

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM WEDNESDAY TO 8 PM MDT
SATURDAY FOR CRITICAL RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND BREEZY CONDITIONS...

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM Wednesday to 8 PM MDT
Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded. 

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag 
Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM this morning to 8 PM MDT 
this evening.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 430, 431, 432, 433, 436, and 
  437. 

* WIND...For the Red Flag Warning, sustained winds 25 to 30 mph,
  gusting up to 40 mph. For the long duration Red Flag Warning, 
  sustained winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...For the Red Flag Warning, 18 to 22 percent. For 
  the long duration Red Flag Warning, 10 to 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are
  expected for the duration of the Red Flag Warning. Well above 
  average temperatures are also expected which will contribute 
  considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

NEZ434-435-WYZ417>419-180600-
/O.UPG.KCYS.FW.A.0006.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
/O.NEW.KCYS.FW.W.0009.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Pine Ridge/Nebraska National Forest-
Box Butte/South Sioux/Niobrara River-
Niobrara/Lower Elevations of Converse/Thunder Basin National
Grassland-
Middle North Platte River Basin/Niobrara and Converse High Plains-
North Laramie Range and Adjacent High Plains-
1129 AM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM WEDNESDAY TO 8 PM MDT
SATURDAY FOR CRITICAL RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND BREEZY CONDITIONS...

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM Wednesday to 8 PM MDT
Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded. 

* WIND...Sustained winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...10 to 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are
  expected for the duration of the Red Flag Warning. Well above 
  average temperatures are also expected which will contribute 
  considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$
222 
WWUS85 KCYS 180131
RFWCYS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
731 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026


NEZ436-437-WYZ430>433-181200-
/O.CAN.KCYS.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260318T0200Z/
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.W.0009.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Lower North Platte River Basin/Scottsbluff National Monument-
Lodgepole Creek/Southern Nebraska Panhandle-
Laramie Foothills and High Plains-Laramie East High Plains-
Bordeaux/Chugwater/Wheatland-Goshen/Middle-
Lower North Platte River Basin-
731 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM WEDNESDAY TO
8 PM MDT SATURDAY FOR LOW HUMIDITY WITH STRONG AND GUSTY WINDS
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 430, 431, 432, 433, 436, AND 437...

...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR LOW HUMIDITY WITH STRONG AND
GUSTY WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 430, 431, 432, 433, 436, AND
437...

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has cancelled the Red
Flag Warning that was in effect until 8 PM MDT this evening.
However, the Red Flag Warning which is in effect from 10 AM 
Wednesday to 8 PM MDT Saturday still remains valid.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 430, 431, 432, 433, 436, and 
  437. 

* WIND...Sustained winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...Between 10 and 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are
  expected for the duration of the Red Flag Warning. Well above
  average temperatures are also expected which will contribute
  considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

NEZ434-435-WYZ417>419-181200-
/O.CON.KCYS.FW.W.0009.260318T1600Z-260322T0200Z/
Pine Ridge/Nebraska National Forest-
Box Butte/South Sioux/Niobrara River-
Niobrara/Lower Elevations of Converse/Thunder Basin National
Grassland-
Middle North Platte River Basin/Niobrara and Converse High Plains-
North Laramie Range and Adjacent High Plains-
731 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM WEDNESDAY TO
8 PM MDT SATURDAY FOR CRITICAL RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND BREEZY
CONDITIONS...

* WIND...Sustained winds 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 35 mph.

* HUMIDITY...10 to 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Poor overnight humidity recoveries are 
  expected for the duration of the Red Flag Warning. Well above 
  average temperatures are also expected which will contribute 
  considerably to the dry conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Cheyenne, WY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at Mar 16, 5:01 AM MDT, 6 hours 28 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • High Wind Watches have been upgraded to High Wind Warnings for the typical wind prone areas on Tuesday.
  • Dangerous fire conditions expected Tuesday afternoon with low humidity and very strong winds.
  • A prolonged Red Flag event is looking likely this week with near- record to record breaking temperatures expected across the region. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for all areas along and east of the Laramie Range from 9AM Wednesday through at least 6PM Friday.
  • Record breaking warm temperatures are expected across the entire area during the second half of the week.
Area forecast discussion, Mar 16, 5:01 AM MDT, 6 hours 28 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
501 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- High Wind Watches have been upgraded to High Wind Warnings for
  the typical wind prone areas on Tuesday.

- Dangerous fire conditions expected Tuesday afternoon with low
  humidity and very strong winds.

- A prolonged Red Flag event is looking likely this week with
  near- record to record breaking temperatures expected across
  the region. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for all areas
  along and east of the Laramie Range from 9AM Wednesday through
  at least 6PM Friday.

- Record breaking warm temperatures are expected across the
  entire area during the second half of the week.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/...
Issued at 126 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026

Much quieter weather is expected throughout the week as upper-level
riding begins to dominate the region Tuesday through the weekend.
For today, largely northerly to north-northwesterly flow is expected
as the upper-level ridge builds over the far southwestern portions
of the CONUS and the ridge axis shifts eastward. Multiple lobes of
500mb cyclonic vorticity advection will push through the CWA today
leading to increasing cloud cover through the afternoon and evening
hours. 700mb flow remains largely northwesterly as the 700mb low
continues to push off to the east and the 700mb ridge starting
building just off the coast of California. With northwesterly 700mb
flow, multiple weak disturbances are expected to push through the
flow throughout the day along with increasing warm air advection,
bringing continued isolated to scattered mountain snow chances for
the Sierra Madre and Snowy ranges. Significant snowfall is not
expected with these disturbances as the atmosphere remains fairly
dry. However, the highest elevations could pick up an additional 2
to 4 inches of snow. During this transitional flow period, 700mb
height gradients will remain elevated, leading to a jet around 45 to
50kts for the early and mid-morning hours before reducing into the
early afternoon and early evening hours. However, as the 700mb ridge
slowly progresses eastward, 700mb flow will become elevated once
again starting this evening and continuing through Tuesday afternoon
and evening. As a result, a 700mb jet around 45 to 50kts is expected
to redevelop through the evening and into the overnight hours.
Stronger downward omega values are expected with the second wave of
increasing winds, suggesting that 700mb winds may mix down to the
surface in the wind prone area, likely producing gusts between 60
and 70mph. The High Wind Watches have been upgraded to High Wind
Warnings from 9PM tonight through midnight Tuesday night. Isolated
gusts up to 60 to 60mph cannot be completely ruled out near
Arlington prior to the High Wind Warning going into effect, but any
gusts to this level are not currently anticipated to be frequent due
to weaker parameters during this time. Expect temperatures this
afternoon to warm into the 40s across much of the CWA, with a warmer
night expected compared to Sunday night/Monday morning.

For Tuesday, the upper-level ridge axis will barely move further to
the east, with the axis centered over southern California for much
of the day and into mid-week. Therefore, northwesterly flow is
expected to continue across the CWA with a few lobes of 500mb
cyclonic vorticity traversing overhead. Favorable synoptic lift for
snow showers across the mountains is expected to end by 6AM Tuesday,
leading to drier conditions and clearing skies. A 700mb shortwave
trough looks to develop overnight Tuesday into the early morning
hours, increasing 700mb winds as is passes overhead and likely
leaving a few residual clouds across the CWA Tuesday afternoon. The
700mb jet will increase to around 55 to 60kts early Tuesday morning,
continuing to favor high winds near the surface. Downward omega
values will also be a touch stronger Tuesday morning, so some of the
stronger wind gusts may expand eastward into the wind prone adjacent
zones, including central Laramie County. At this time, confidence is
on the lower side for high winds to occur in Cheyenne, but with this
type of set up, gusty conditions are very likely. This 700mb flow
will slowly weaken throughout the day as 700mb temperatures increase
into the 2 to 4C range Tuesday afternoon. Surface temperatures are
expected to increase into the upper-50s to low-70s across the area,
with the warmest temperatures expected across western Nebraska.
Downsloping winds throughout the day should help increase the
temperature at Cheyenne towards the mid- to upper-60s. Precipitation
is not anticipated, lead to very dry conditions throughout the
afternoon hours. While relative humidity values are only expected to
drop into the 20 to 25% range, with winds potentially gusting
upwards of 50 to 60mph, especially along I-25 from Cheyenne to
Sidney, dangerous fire weather conditions may develop. A Fire
Weather Watch has been issued for this area through Tuesday evening.

Looking ahead, a long duration Fire Weather Watch has been issued
for all areas along and east of the Laramie Range. Daily
temperatures are expected to soar towards record values as the upper-
level ridge takes hold of the western CONUS. With breezy and very
dry conditions expected to continue, critical fire conditions are
expected every afternoon through the end of the week. Overnight
humidity recoveries look to be quite low throughout the week, so the
second Fire Weather Watch will run from 9AM Wednesday through at
least 8PM Friday, and may be extended into Saturday afternoon.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Issued at 126 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026

No major changes. Record temperatures and critical fire
conditions expected through the week. Please see previous
discussion for more details...

The long term will be flat out hot for this time of year, as a high
pressure ridge controls the Western US and brings record breaking
temperatures alongside a daily concern for critical fire weather
conditions. Ensembles show nearly identical forecasts with high
pressure ridging originating from the Desert Southwest and expanding
over the entirety of the region through the end of the forecast
period, with some shifting eastwards and perhaps flattening of this
feature by Saturday into Sunday. But this ridge is expected to keep
us under warm westerly to northwesterly flow aloft, with dry air
overspreading and keeping nil precipitation chances the standard
during the period. This will bring two sensible weather concerns to
the CWA - firstly, record setting warmth is nearly certain with this
pattern. Widespread highs in the mid 70's to mid 80's are expected,
making it feel more like late spring and early summer. Normal highs
for this time of year are in the upper 40's to upper 50's, so this
means we'll be around 20-25+ degrees above normal for this time of
year. Secondly, the significant dry air alongside limited overnight
recoveries and breezy diurnal winds will combine to produce a
critical environment for fire weather, with red flag warnings likely
to be issued within the next couple of days. Our drought conditions
are all but certain to persist and likely become exasperated in the
coming week as precipitation becomes a fleeting memory, and winter
is stuck in the rear-view.

&&

.AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 500 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026

VFR conditions expected through the 12Z TAF period. Mid-level
clouds will move in throughout the morning hours, lowering
ceilings to below 10,000ft AGL. Gusty winds expected during the
afternoon before decreasing after sunset.

&&

.CYS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WY...Fire Weather Watch from Wednesday morning through Friday
     evening for WYZ417>419-430>433.
     Fire Weather Watch from Tuesday morning through Tuesday
     evening for WYZ430-431.
     High Wind Warning from 9 PM this evening to 6 PM MDT Tuesday
     for WYZ106.
     High Wind Warning from 9 PM this evening to midnight MDT
     Tuesday night for WYZ110-116-117.
NE...Fire Weather Watch from Wednesday morning through Friday
     evening for NEZ434>437.
     Fire Weather Watch from Tuesday morning through Tuesday
     evening for NEZ437.

&&

SHORT TERM...AM
LONG TERM...AM/CG
AVIATION...AM
Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 16, 3:04 AM MDT, 8 hours 25 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
304 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026

NEZ002-003-019>021-054-055-095-096-WYZ101>119-170915-
Dawes County-Box Butte County-Scotts Bluff County-Banner County-
Morrill County-Kimball County-Cheyenne County-
Northern Sioux County-Southern Sioux County-
Converse County Lower Elevations-Niobrara County-
North Laramie Range-Ferris/Seminoe/Shirley Mountains-
Shirley Basin-Central Laramie Range and Southwest Platte County-
East Platte County-Goshen County-Central Carbon County-
North Snowy Range Foothills-Southwest Carbon County-
Sierra Madre Range-Upper North Platte River Basin-Snowy Range-
Laramie Valley-South Laramie Range-South Laramie Range Foothills-
Central Laramie County-East Laramie County-
304 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of panhandle
Nebraska...east central Wyoming...south central Wyoming and
southeast Wyoming.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

Warmer today with partly cloudy skies. Very warm temperatures
return mid-week.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

A prolonged Red Flag event is looking likely this week with near-
record to record breaking temperatures expected across the region.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for all areas along and east of
the Laramie Range from 9AM Wednesday through at least 6PM Friday.

.Spotter information statement...

Spotter activation will not be needed.

The office that day

Everything else NWS Cheyenne, WY issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 16, 12:49 AM MDTFire Weather WatchCYSBanner, Cheyenne, Kimball11 hr
Mar 16, 12:49 AM MDTFire Weather WatchCYSBanner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Kimball, Morrill and 2 more35 hr
Mar 16, 12:39 AM MDTHigh Wind WarningCYSAlbany, Carbon, Laramie, Platte65 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Nebraska, 2026Red Flag Warnings in Wyoming, 2026Every red flag warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.