GILLETTE, Wyo. — Gillette is in store for a warm day ahead of some potentially strong thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota, has forecast a high of 80 under sunny skies. An upper low-pressure system from the Pacific Northwest slides into the Rockies today, causing some strong winds from the south. Expect winds to blow at 17–22 mph until this afternoon, when they shift to come from the northwest at 5–10 mph. Gusts could reach 32 mph.
A 40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms, some of which could be severe, rises to 80% as evening approaches. The best chance for stronger storms is east of the region, but any isolated storms that kick up will have that potential over Campbell County. Primary threats with those storms will be large hail, damaging winds and lightning. The low tonight will be near 44.
Once today’s storms pass through, a cooler but drier pattern sets in at least through Sunday.
Thursday will see a high of just 58 degrees in the wake of any storms tonight. Skies will be mostly sunny, and winds will come from the northwest at 11–14 mph. Some clouds will stick around overnight as the low falls to about 40.
Friday’s mercury will climb back to 69 under sunny skies, followed by a high of 80 on Saturday and 75 on Sunday. Clear skies are forecast Friday and Saturday. Friday night’s low will drop to 45 with mostly clear skies while Saturday’s low will be 51 with partly cloudy skies. Sunday’s low will be around 51 degrees.
More on the weather is available from the National Weather Service in Rapid City.
