Heavy rain, gusts near 60 mph possible Monday in western South Dakota

Dense Fog and Impending Severe Storm Threat Western South Dakota

Dense morning fog is creating hazardous travel conditions across western South Dakota, setting the stage for a stronger incoming storm system that brings heavy rain and wind gusts near 60 mph to the region by Monday, KOTA Territory News reported.

Visibility dropped below a quarter-mile around Sheridan and Gillette early Sunday morning, with locations like Faith experiencing reductions near zero by 8 a.m. Drivers navigating routes through Hot Springs and surrounding areas faced sharply limited sightlines, prompting safety warnings to reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, and maintain increased following distances.

Mild daytime conditions will precede the weather shift. Sunday highs are forecast to reach nearly 60 degrees in Gillette, Philip, Kadoka, and Pine Ridge, while Rapid City climbs to about 59 degrees. Those readings run nearly 10 degrees above normal for early November.

Storm Track and Rainfall Projections

The approaching moisture-laden system originating from the Southwest will introduce initial showers to Wyoming around midday Sunday. Precipitation will intensify Sunday evening and overnight, persisting through Monday morning across western South Dakota before gradually tapering off Monday evening.

North to northwest winds will force moist air uphill along the northern Black Hills, enhancing rainfall totals in favored zones. Rapid City can expect between a half-inch and three-quarters of an inch of rain, while totals near the northern Black Hills could reach about 1.5 inches. Similar heavier rainfall amounts are anticipated across Ziebach, Haakon, Jackson, and Bennett counties, with lower totals extending westward into northeastern Wyoming.

High Winds and Travel Hazards on Monday

Wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph are possible north and east of the Black Hills on Monday, including parts of the Rapid City area. The low-pressure center tracking between Pierre and Sioux Falls will dictate the exact placement of the strongest winds and heaviest precipitation.

The combination of persistent rain and high wind gusts could render driving difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles, while creating potential for localized damage to trees and power lines.

Before Sunday begins, residents must turn clocks back one hour for the end of daylight saving time. Sunshine is expected to return on Tuesday with highs near the mid-50s, followed by temperatures climbing back into the upper 50s and lower 60s later in the week.