GILLETTE, Wyo. — Labor Day weather will be hot and dry in the Gillette area, producing critical fire conditions ahead of potential thunderstorms and cooler temperatures later in the week, according to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Per the NWS in Rapid City, Labor Day highs are predicted to climb near 95 degrees, with southwesterly winds shifting to the northwest in the afternoon. Wind speeds will vary between 9 and 14 mph, though they could gust as high as 22 mph.
In addition to gusty southerly winds, tightening pressure gradients over the area will generate very dry and unseasonably warm conditions. Critical fire conditions are expected from this afternoon through Tuesday evening, the NWS in Rapid City says.
Tonight, look for areas of smoke before 2 a.m. with widespread haze moving into the forecast area between 2 and 3 a.m. Temperatures should dip to around 58 degrees with northwest winds shifting to the southwest after midnight.
Later this week, there is the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms, with cooler conditions moving in by Wednesday. By the end of the week, above-average temperatures and drier weather are forecast to return.
