Monday’s forecast calls for wind gusts that could top 65 mph, rain totals of up to two inches, and snow at higher elevations, prompting a First Alert Weather Day across western South Dakota.
Key points
- Wind gusts of 60‑65 mph are forecast for western South Dakota, especially east of the Black Hills.
- Rapid City could see up to 2 inches of rain, with higher amounts possible on the northern Black Hills slopes.
- Dense fog may reduce visibility to as little as one‑eighth of a mile in parts of Wyoming and South Dakota early Monday.
- Snow is possible above 5,000 feet in the Black Hills and in parts of northeastern Wyoming, potentially adding an inch or two of accumulation.
The KOTA‑TV First Alert Weather Team has issued a First Alert Weather Day for Monday, Nov. 2, warning that wind gusts of 60 mph or higher are possible across much of western South Dakota, with the strongest gusts expected east of the Black Hills and in the corridor from Buffalo toward Rapid City.
Model guidance suggests gusts could reach 65 mph at the surface and as high as 70 mph at 5,000 feet on Monday evening, though those higher speeds may not be felt at ground level. Residents in communities such as Spearfish, Rapid City, Belle Fourche, Newell and Philip are advised to secure outdoor items and avoid travel if possible.
Wind gusts up to 65 mph expected
Rain could begin around midnight and intensify along and south of I‑90 as the day progresses. Rapid City is forecast to receive between 1 and 1.75 inches of rain, with some models indicating totals near 2 inches, while the northern Black Hills slopes and parts of the western plains could see more than 2 inches. The exact placement of the heaviest rain remains uncertain.
Dense fog may further complicate travel, with visibility forecasts dropping to as low as one‑eighth of a mile near Wright, Wyoming, about half a mile near Philip, South Dakota, and near zero around Ekalaka, Montana. These conditions could affect early‑morning commuters on Interstate 90 and other western routes.
Heavy rain and possible snow
Colder air aloft could turn rain into snow at higher elevations. In the Black Hills, snow is most likely above 5,000 feet, potentially accumulating an inch or two where temperatures fall enough. Northeastern Wyoming towns such as Gillette, Wright, Sundance and Sheridan could also see a mix of rain and snow, creating slick spots on roads.
Temperatures are expected to stay cool, with Rapid City dipping to around 48 °F Sunday night and reaching a high near 51 °F on Monday. The forecast calls for winds to ease after 6 a.m. Tuesday, though gusts around 45 mph may linger. A weaker front later in the week should bring calmer conditions and milder temperatures.
Reader questions
When is the First Alert Weather Day in effect?
The First Alert Weather Day is declared for Monday, Nov. 2, covering western South Dakota and parts of northeastern Wyoming.
What wind speeds are expected?
Surface gusts could exceed 60 mph, with isolated gusts near 65 mph and modelled winds up to 70 mph at 5,000 feet.
How much rain is expected in Rapid City?
Forecasts show Rapid City receiving roughly 1 to 1.75 inches of rain, with some guidance suggesting totals could approach 2 inches.
Source: kotatv.com
