CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A brief warm spell will bring near-average to above-average temperatures to southeast Wyoming today and Thursday. Sunny skies and breezy conditions will prevail, with a high near 44 today in Cheyenne. Winds from the west-northwest are expected to reach 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. Tonight, temperatures will drop to a low near 23 under mostly clear skies.

Thursday is forecast to be the warmest day of the week, with highs reaching the low 50s in many areas. However, winds will pick up, particularly in wind-prone areas, where gusts may exceed 50 mph. The National Weather Service out of Cheyenne has issued a High Wind Watch for Thursday into early Friday.

An arctic cold front is expected to arrive Friday morning, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and increasing snow chances. The NWS predicts widespread light to moderate snowfall, with accumulations of 1 to 4 inches possible in southeast Wyoming, and higher amounts in mountainous regions. Snowfall will likely begin Friday afternoon and continue into the evening, with gusty winds potentially causing areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility.

This weekend will usher in frigid temperatures, with highs in the single digits to teens on Saturday. Light snow may linger into Sunday, with a reinforcing shot of arctic air potentially arriving Sunday into Monday. If the second front materializes, dangerously cold wind chills and even colder temperatures are possible early next week.

Detailed Forecast for Cheyenne

• Today: Patchy blowing snow is expected between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. It will be sunny, with a high near 44. A west-northwest wind of 15 to 20 mph will be breezy, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
• Tonight: Mostly clear skies are forecast, with a low around 23. West-southwest winds will blow at 10 to 15 mph.
• Thursday: Sunny conditions are expected, with a high near 51. It will be breezy, with a west-southwest wind of 10 to 20 mph, and gusts up to 30 mph.
• Thursday Night: The night will be mostly clear, with a low around 29. Breezy west winds will range from 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph.
• Friday: Snow is likely in the afternoon, with a 50 percent chance after 11 a.m. The day will be partly sunny, with a high near 36. Breezy conditions are expected, with a north wind around 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph.
• Friday Night: Snow is forecast, with a low around 3. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
• Saturday: A 50 percent chance of snow, mainly before 11 a.m., is expected. The day will be mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 10. Blustery conditions will persist.
• Saturday Night: Skies will be partly cloudy, with a low around -6.
• Sunday: A chance of snow is forecast, mainly after 11 a.m. The day will be partly sunny and cold, with a high near 9.
• Sunday Night: Snow is possible, mainly before 11 p.m. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around -12.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: The day will be mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 4.
• Monday Night: Partly cloudy conditions are expected, with a low around -13.
• Tuesday: The day will be mostly sunny, with a high near 27. Breezy conditions are expected.