Wind gusts hit 40 mph while rapid city stays 12 degrees above normal
Western South Dakota faces strong winds this week, but a high-pressure system keeps temperatures mild and dry for most residents.
By Renata Mehta ·
Residents in western South Dakota face a sharp change in wind speed while staying warm this week. Forecasters predict gusts between 35 and 40 mph on Tuesday and Wednesday. The strongest winds will likely hit the western part of the state. Parts of northeastern Wyoming may also experience windy conditions.
The weather pattern has been mild for several days. Rapid City reached 62 degrees on Monday. That is 12 degrees higher than the average high of 50 degrees for November 9. Overnight lows remain well above typical norms. Sturgis is expected to drop to 45 degrees, while Rapid City will see a low of 44 degrees. A typical low for this time of year is just under 30 degrees.
Other communities in the region will see similar warmth. Sheridan, Wyoming, is forecast to reach 63 degrees on Monday. Highs in the 60s are expected to continue in Sheridan and Gillette. Spearfish and Deadwood in the northern Black Hills will also see highs in the 60s on Monday and Tuesday. These areas will cool to the mid-50s as a front moves through Tuesday into Wednesday.
The passing systems are dry. Meteorologists say the fronts will not bring much moisture to the area. There is only a small chance of light showers. A stray shower is possible in northeastern Wyoming on Tuesday, but widespread rain is not expected. The lack of precipitation keeps the region dry and warm.
A front moving through Tuesday and Wednesday will lower temperatures in the northern Black Hills. Custer is expected to see the lower 50s by Wednesday. Communities farther south, including Philip and Pine Ridge, may see highs reach the mid-60s. These warmer readings are driven by southerly and southwesterly winds. Areas north of Interstate 90 will stay mostly in the upper 50s, with some mid-50s readings by Wednesday.
The wind and warmth are driven by disturbances in the jet stream. A ridge of high pressure over the western and southwestern United States is maintaining the mild pattern. Once the midweek fronts pass, southwesterly winds will return. Temperatures are expected to climb back toward 70 degrees in parts of the region by the weekend.
