Powerful Cold Front Expected to Bring Strong Wind Gusts Across Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas on Friday, HRRR Model Shows
COLORADO — A powerful cold front moving in Thursday night is expected to produce high wind gusts across several western and central states on Friday, with the strongest and most consistent gusts projected along the Divide, the northern Front Range and parts of the central Plains. The forecast is based on the 18z run of the HRRR model, which highlights a corridor of intense wind potential stretching from Colorado into neighboring regions.
HRRR Model Shows Highest Wind Gusts in Six Key Areas
According to the forecast discussion, the strongest wind gusts on Friday are projected in:
• Along the Divide
• The northern Front Range (including Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley)
• Wyoming
• Nebraska
• Northeast and east Colorado
• Kansas
The HRRR wind-gust map provided in the update shows pockets of intense color shading across these same areas, with the most concentrated gust zone extending along the Front Range and into Wyoming and Nebraska.
Why This Wind Event Stands Out
The update notes that this setup is unusual because high-resolution models appear to keep parts of the I-25 corridor, especially areas in and south of Denver, relatively sheltered from the strongest gusts. While occasional gusty conditions are still possible in those locations, the most persistent and severe winds are expected in the six primary regions listed above.
Forecasters emphasize that strong bursts of wind are still possible outside these zones, but the HRRR model consistently highlights the Divide and northern Front Range as the most impacted areas.
Significantly Colder Air Will Follow the Wind Event
In addition to the wind threat, temperatures on Friday are expected to drop sharply behind the passing front. Forecasted temperatures will fall into the 30s, with wind chills reaching the single digits, teens and 20s. The combination of high winds and very cold air may lead to hazardous conditions, especially for early-morning or evening travel.
Model Timing Points Toward Peak Impacts on Friday
The HRRR model valid for 17z Friday, January 16, 2026, shows widespread elevated gusts across Colorado, Wyoming and the central Plains. Wind values displayed on the map reach high levels across eastern Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska, confirming the broader regional impact of this frontal passage.
Meteorologists caution that wind magnitudes can shift slightly as new model runs arrive, but the overall signal remains consistent: Friday will be windy, cold and potentially disruptive in multiple states. Residents in affected regions should monitor updates as stronger gusts may develop quickly with the arrival of the front. Readers can share wind observations or local impacts from Friday’s front at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
