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Wildfire smoke blankets region; elevated fire risk continues

Smoke from Canadian wildfires covers the sky in Gillette on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo courtesy of James Grabrick)

GILLETTE, Wyo. — Smoke and haze from wildfires burning to the west are drifting eastward, impacting air quality in northeastern Wyoming and far-western South Dakota. These hazy conditions are expected to persist through Tuesday in Gillette, the National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota, said.

A high-pressure system currently centered over the Midwest is bringing southerly and southeasterly winds, which are carrying smoke from the wildfires. This system will also contribute to warmer temperatures and dry conditions, increasing fire danger this week, meteorologists said in the forecast discussion.

A cold front is expected to move through the area Thursday, bringing a shift in wind direction. Despite this front, very warm and dry conditions are predicted to persist into next week, with little chance of significant rainfall.

Areas of smoke are expected today in Gillette as the high reaches 76. Skies should be mostly sunny. There will be a northwest breeze at 5–7 mph. The smoke will continue to remain heavy through tonight and into Tuesday. The low tonight will be near 44.

Detailed Forecast

  • Tuesday: Areas of smoke. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind at 5–8 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.
  • Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind shifting to the southwest at 5–7 mph after midnight.
  • Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind at 5–7 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
  • Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. South wind at 5–11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind at 10–13 mph shifting to the north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
  • Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Northeast wind at 7–11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
  • Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
  • Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.
  • Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 69.

More on the weather is available from the National Weather Service in Rapid City.


NOTE: AI tools assisted in the publication of this report.

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