‘Ring of Fire’ Floods SE Wyoming with More Rain to Come This Week

A slew of thunderstorms has produced an impressive array of floods across SE Wyoming. Flash flood warnings have loomed from Cheyenne to Wheatland for the last few days, with a continued risk of severe thunderstorms over the area today.

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With parks and greenways under several inches of water today, residents of SE Wyoming are wondering - is this normal weather for August? The Cheyenne Office of the National Weather Service assures residents that, yes, it is.

'Ring of Fire Weather Pattern' Batters SE Wyoming with Monsoonal Moisture

The Weather Channel reports that a 'Ring of Fire' weather pattern has triggered flash flooding from the Rockies to the Southeast. Notably, Cheyenne's flooded underpasses earned a mention in the weather outlet's news.

The NWS explained to KGAB News that monsoonal moisture is typical at this time of year. "This is normal weather for August. We have the monsoon moisture arriving from the south (Pacific Ocean/Gulf of Mexico) due to a clockwise flow of air, which brings the moisture from the south to our doorstep," said NWS.

July 2023 Ended with Above-Average Rainfall

The NWS Cheyenne office explained that the recent weather has produced "very efficient rainfall from the slow-moving thunderstorms across the area each day."

According to their team, the Cheyenne Airport observed 0.70 inches of precipitation received on July 31, 0.88 inches on August 1, and 0.44" yesterday, August 2.

NWS adds that "the total rainfall for Cheyenne Airport last month was 4.26 inches, which was above average since the normal monthly rainfall is 2.11 inches."

Is SE Wyoming Facing Above-Average Rainfall for August?

NWS reports that the average August rainfall for Cheyenne "is 1.52 inches, and we have received 1.32 inches so far the past 2 days."

Based on that assessment, chances are high that Cheyenne will receive above-average rainfall this month.

A Note on Flash Flood Safety

NWS reminds residents to follow safety guidelines during flood events. Their #1 tip? "Turn around, don't drown. 18 inches of water on roadways can easily submerge a small to larger sized vehicle."