GILLETTE, Wyo. — Campbell County should prepare for a continuation of cold and semi-unsettled weather conditions, with a significant winter weather event expected to arrive this weekend.
The National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota, has issued an outlook highlighting a persistent pattern of cold northwest flow impacting the region. A stationary front remains over the area, bringing with it the potential for flurries and light snow over the next several days.
Today, Gillette will see cloudy skies gradually clearing to mostly sunny, with a high near 28 degrees. However, windchill values could dip at as low as 11 degrees. Tonight, expect mostly cloudy skies and a low around 12.
The main weather story is the approach of a stronger low-pressure system, forecast to bring accumulating snow to the region, particularly impacting northwest through central South Dakota. While Gillette and Campbell County are not expected to see the heaviest snowfall from this system, the forecast indicates a strong likelihood of light snow beginning Saturday, with 1–2 inches of accumulation possible. There is an 80% chance of precipitation Saturday night.
The snow will be accompanied by gusty southeast winds, potentially causing some patchy blowing snow.
Following the weekend snowfall, an even colder air mass will settle over the region, per the National Weather Service in Rapid City. High temperatures early next week are expected to struggle to reach the mid-20s, with overnight lows dipping to around 10 degrees. These temperatures will be coupled with windchill.
While the early part of next week will remain cold, there is some uncertainty in the forecast for the middle of the week. The position of a western North American ridge will ultimately determine whether the area remains locked in the cold flow or experiences a brief period of warmer temperatures as Pacific air moves eastward. As of now, Wednesday looks to be the warmest day, with a high of 34.
Detailed Forecast
- Today: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 28. Windchill values as low as 11. Calm wind shifting to the northwest at around 5 mph.
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Calm wind shifting to the south at around 5 mph after midnight.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Windchill values as low as 9. Southeast wind at 5–11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
- Friday Night: A 20% chance of snow before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Windchill values as low as 3. Southeast wind at 15–18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
- Saturday: Snow likely, mainly after 11 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 25. Southeast wind at 10–13 mph shifting to the northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1–2 inches possible.
- Saturday Night: Snow, mainly before 11 p.m. Low around 11. Northwest wind at 6–9 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1–2 inches possible.
- Sunday: A 20% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. West wind at around 6 mph.
- Sunday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Northwest wind at 5–7 mph.
- Monday: A slight chance of snow before 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24.
- Monday Night: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 26.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 13.
- Wednesday: A slight chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 34.
More on the weather is available from the NWS in Rapid City.
NOTE: AI tools assisted in the publication of this report.
