Fall Rollercoaster Forecast: South Dakota And Wyoming Brace For Storms, Wind, And Early Snow
RAPID CITY, SD — A powerful fall storm system is set to shake up the weekend weather across South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana, bringing severe storms, strong winds, and even early-season snow in higher elevations.
Storms Arrive Saturday As Temperatures Drop
After a stretch of unseasonably warm weather, a cold front moving through the region Saturday will trigger showers, isolated severe storms, and a sharp temperature drop. Forecasters at the KOTA First Alert Weather Center say a Level 1 severe risk is in effect for areas including Pine Ridge, Martin, and Kadoka, where heavy downpours are likely Saturday afternoon through the evening.
Rainfall totals are expected to reach about half an inch in most areas, with heavier amounts possible near Sheridan, Gillette, and Sundance. Strong south winds ahead of the front will shift west by evening, gusting up to 35 mph before peaking overnight at 45 mph.
Snow Expected In The Bighorns And Black Hills
While rain dominates lower elevations, winter weather advisories have been issued for higher terrain in the Bighorn Mountains and the Black Hills, where 6 to 10 inches of snow could fall between Saturday evening and Monday morning. The combination of snow and gusty winds may create difficult travel conditions for mountain routes through Sunday morning.
Temperatures across northeastern Wyoming are expected to dip into the 50s, with cooler readings in the hills. Rapid City will see daytime highs near 66°F, dropping quickly by evening.
Weekend Events Could See Impacts
The Wiener Dog Races in Deadwood and other outdoor events could see interruptions due to showers and windy conditions. Organizers are encouraged to prepare for brief downpours and reduced visibility during peak storm hours Saturday afternoon and evening.
By Sunday, skies will stay mostly cloudy with lingering showers before drying out Monday.
A Calmer, Milder Week Ahead
After the weekend’s turbulent start to October, temperatures will rebound to the mid-70s by the end of next week, offering a brief return to pleasant fall conditions before another potential system approaches.
Do you live in western South Dakota or northeast Wyoming and rely on early fall forecasts to prepare for weather swings? Share your local updates and photos with us at NapervilleLocal.com, where we bring you the latest Midwest and Plains weather coverage.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.