Rockies Thunderstorms Charge into WY-CO Plains for Large Hail, Damaging Gusts — SevereWX

Thunderstorms bubbling up over the central Rockies, including Colorado's Front Range, are pushing eastward into the High Plains this afternoon. SPC's Mesoscale Discussion 1988 highlights increasing severe potential across eastern Wyoming, northeast Colorado, far southwest South Dakota, and the Nebraska Panhandle.

A lingering cap from widespread cloud cover has delayed peak heating, but objective analysis shows convective inhibition eroding. Steep lapse rates and MLCAPE of 1000-1500 J/kg will fuel storm development, supported by 30-40 kt deep-layer shear. Expect initial multicell and supercell modes producing large hail up to 1.75 inches, transitioning to clusters tonight with heightened severe wind gusts of 55-70 mph.

CAM guidance backs this upscale growth into the evening, amplifying the wind threat. The MD is valid until 5:30 PM Moderate, with a 60% chance of a severe thunderstorm watch.

Affected Areas: Eastern WY (including Cheyenne area), northeast CO (Sterling, Brush), southwest SD, and Nebraska Panhandle (Scottsbluff).

Residents in these rural but expansive regions should monitor radar closely as storms advance off the terrain.

Stay prepared: Have a severe weather plan ready—secure outdoor items, seek shelter in interior rooms away from windows, and keep NOAA Weather Radio or apps handy for warnings.