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Dangerous Fire Conditions in the Southern High Plains; Severe Weather from the Great Lakes into Central/Southern Plains; Late-Season Mountain Snow

Dry and windy conditions will produce dangerous fire weather conditions across the southern High Plains into the Southwest. Severe storms, including very large hail, strong tornadoes, and winds, are expected from the Great Lakes into the central/southern Plains. Heavy late-season snow and cold temperatures are expected in the northern to central Rockies. Heat is spreading across the eastern U.S.. Read More >

Overview

A strong low pressure system moved across the Northern Plains on Monday, March 29th, 2021, and brought a period of very strong winds to the region. Strong west to southwest winds developed Sunday night, then shifted to the northwest on Monday as a vigorous cold front swept through. The strongest wind gust of 81 mph was measured Monday morning on the south side of Rapid City. In addition, very dry air combined with the strong winds and dry vegetation led to multiple fires in the Black Hills and prairies, with the Schroeder Fire infringing on the western edge of Rapid City and the Divide Fire in Perkins County.

The image to the right shows the wind observations at the NWS office near downtown Rapid City for March 29th.
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NWS Rapid City Wind Observations
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