Monday Forecast: Red Flag Warning for SW South Dakota and parts of NE Wyoming

WESTERN S.D. AND NORTHEASTERN WYO. — There’s a slight chill in the air this morning as temperatures currently in the 30s and 40s. Higher elevations in the Black Hills and Bighorns may even be seeing some upper 20s.

“Cooler” air remains today with highs reaching the low to mid-70s for most… However, 60s are possible in higher elevations, while southwestern South Dakota will likely see upper 70s to low 80s.

While winds are light and variable this morning, northerly flow persists as we head into mid-morning. Northwesterly winds today should be sustained around 15-25 mph, gusting up to 40 mph at times.

Due to relative humidity values between 10% and 25% in southern portions of the region, a Red Flag Warning will be in effect from noon today through this evening. This warning includes portions of Weston, Custer, Fall River, Oglala Lakota, Pennington, Jackson, and Bennett counties.

Elevated to critical fire concerns remain throughout the week, although we may see occasionally some pop-up showers to the north, most of the region is expected to remain dry.

Please be careful with fire and/or anything that could create sparks. While we have received beneficial moisture over the last couple of weeks (which I think we’re all grateful for), drought conditions continue for the region. This means vegetation is still dry and struggling to soak up that moisture, so please check local burn bans and stay vigilant.

As stated above, we could see a few quick, pop-up rain showers in northern areas this week, but luckily, we aren’t expecting any severe weather.

Tonight’s lows should be milder, likely in the 40s and 50s. Breezy conditions briefly slow down this evening before increasing again tomorrow, especially in northeastern Wyoming, where west-northwest winds are expected to reach 10-20 mph, with 30 mph gusts likely. Highs will warm up into the low-to-mid 80s tomorrow, with some 70s in the higher elevations.

We’ll continue to see average mid-June temperatures in the 70s and 80s this week. Wednesday looks particularly windy, with northwest gusts potentially reaching 50-55 mph. I would not be surprised if another Red Flag Warning or Wind Advisory is issued by then.

Expect more sunshine to round out the week on Thursday and Friday, with the likelihood of showers and non-severe storms increasing for this Father’s Day weekend.

As a dedicated meteorologist, Sam is committed to delivering accurate and timely weather information to the community. In the future, she hopes to inspire younger generations to develop a love for STEM, just as she did.