RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Dangerous fire weather conditions will develop across KOTA Territory today (Friday). Gusty southwest winds will pick up across northeast Wyoming by late morning, ushering in some very dry air. Winds may gust up to 55mph on the Wyoming prairie causing blowing dust in areas. The dry winds along with unseasonably hot temperatures and the ongoing drought will lead to critical and even localized extreme fire weather conditions, especially across northeast Wyoming, southeast Montana and northwest South Dakota.
Morning clouds will thin leaving skies mostly sunny this afternoon. Temperatures will rise into the 70s-80s with record highs possible in Rapid City. Temperatures may even reach the mid-80s along the Cheyenne River east of the Black Hills.
A cold front will come blasting out of Montana this evening. Winds will switch to the northwest and will be gust at times (up to 45mph). Some light precipitation may be possible with frontal passage in and around the Big Horns with snow levels staying in the mountains. Additional light precipitation may be possible south and east of the Black Hills as mid-level moisture streams in from the south…