Residents of Wyoming are preparing for a dangerously cold Monday, with windchills expected to plunge to life-threatening lows between -15°F and -45°F.
Such extreme conditions pose significant risks, including frostbite, which can occur in minutes.
As the Arctic air mass engulfs the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts windchills dropping as low as -50°F in parts of Wyoming. Meteorologist Chris Jones from the NWS in Riverton explained that even moderate winds of 5-7 mph can significantly worsen the chill factor. Temperatures will struggle to climb above zero throughout the day.
“We’ll see winds from 15-30 mph near the Montana border and 10-20 mph in other areas,” said Jones. “Combined with already frigid temperatures, this will result in some of the coldest windchills, especially at higher elevations.”
The most severe conditions will shift to southeast Wyoming by Monday evening, where wind speeds along the I-80 corridor could reach 20-30 mph. Combined with temperatures as low as -20°F, windchills may plummet to -45°F.
While this Arctic front brings predominantly dry conditions, it will deliver light snow flurries across northern and central Wyoming. Accumulations are expected to remain minimal, around a quarter to half an inch. However, clearing skies after the front’s passage will exacerbate the cold, particularly in elevated areas like the Bighorn Mountains, where windchills may drop between -35°F and -50°F.
With temperatures this extreme, frostbite becomes a critical concern. Jones emphasized that exposed skin could sustain frostbite within 10 minutes at windchills of -30°F or lower. Proper clothing, including multiple layers and protective gear, is essential for anyone venturing outside.
The NWS has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for much of eastern Wyoming until 11 a.m. Monday, with a Cold Weather Advisory for the rest of the state until 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Here are the forecasted daytime highs and possible windchills for various locations:
- Afton: High of 5°F, windchill -15°F
- Buffalo: High of 0°F, windchill -30°F
- Casper: High of 1°F, windchill -16°F
- Cheyenne: High of 2°F, windchill -30°F
- Laramie: High of -2°F, windchill -35°F
- Pinedale: High of -2°F, windchill -40°F
- Lusk: High of -5°F, windchill -45°F
Even as temperatures rise slightly by Tuesday, Wyomingites are urged to remain cautious. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, keep skin covered, and check on neighbors who may need assistance during this extreme weather.
While these conditions are severe, Jones noted that Wyoming is unlikely to break air temperature records due to lingering winds and cloud cover.
With input from Cowboy State Daily and County 10.
