Cold front to bring wind, wintry weather to region Friday
Temperatures expected to drop into 50s and 60s by Saturday with snow possible in higher elevations
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Southwestern winds of 5 to 10 mph are keeping temperatures from dropping too low early Friday, with overnight lows in the upper 40s under clear skies.
Friday temperatures are forecast to reach just above average in Rapid City, with areas south of Interstate 90 potentially seeing mid to upper 80s.
A cold front is expected to move through the region Saturday, bringing windy conditions and the possibility of wintry precipitation to higher elevations.
Wind gusts expected Friday afternoon
Wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph are forecast for Ekalaka, Buffalo and Lemon by 1 p.m. Friday. Casper is expected to see similar gusts with relative humidity dropping to 10%.
Low relative humidity is forecast across northeastern Wyoming counties and areas south of Interstate 90, creating elevated fire weather risks. The region has experienced extreme drought, rated 4 on a 5-point scale.
The Saturday Forecast - Snow forecast for higher elevations
Snow is expected in the Bighorn Mountains at elevations above 6,000 feet. The western and northwestern slopes of the Black Hills could see some back-end snow as the front passes through, with upslope enhancement expected overnight Friday into Saturday morning and midday.
Showery conditions are forecast throughout Saturday morning. Western South Dakota could see wind gusts up to 40 mph on Saturday as the front moves through.
Rainfall totals could reach up to a half inch along Interstate 90, with the heaviest precipitation focused along and north of the interstate.
Weekend and next week outlook
Saturday is expected to bring cooler temperatures, with highs in the lower 60s and upper 50s. Wintry precipitation is possible in the Bighorn Mountains and higher elevations of the Black Hills. Custer could see a mix of precipitation with temperatures dropping to 54 degrees.
Saturday night lows could drop to 37 degrees. Sunday temperatures are forecast in the mid-70s for Phillip and in the lower 70s for Buffalo, Faith, and Pine Ridge.
A ridge of high pressure is expected to move in on Saturday, with temperatures warming through the week. Highs could reach the 80s by the end of next week.
The next chance for precipitation is forecast for Wednesday into Thursday, when a frontal system could bring isolated thunderstorms to the area.
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