GILLETTE, Wyo. — Gillette should prepare for a wintry blast this weekend, with a winter storm watch in effect from late tonight through late Sunday night.
Today will see increasing clouds and a high near 36 degrees, but strong winds will make it feel as cold as 5 degrees. Tonight, the weather takes a turn with a mix of rain and snow transitioning to all snow after 2 a.m. The low will be around 24, but windchill values will plummet to 17 degrees. Gusty winds of up to 32 mph will create blustery conditions.
Snow continues through Saturday and Saturday night, with blowing snow likely to create hazardous travel conditions. Temperatures will hover around 28 degrees Saturday, falling to 18 degrees overnight. Windchills will be in the teens and single digits.
Sunday offers a slight reprieve with snow mainly before 11 a.m., but cloudy skies and cold temperatures persist with a high of 19. There’s a chance of snow again Sunday night.
Looking ahead, Monday brings a 50% chance of snow and a high near 26. Conditions improve significantly by Tuesday, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 30s expected through Thursday.
The NWS in Rapid City warns of heavy snow and strong winds this weekend, with the potential for slippery roads and reduced visibility due to blowing snow. Residents are urged to exercise caution if travel is necessary and to take precautions to stay warm.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation reported at 6:19 a.m. that area roads are slick in spots.
Detailed Forecast
- Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 36. Windchill values as low as 5. Southwest wind at 10–14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
- Tonight: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 2 a.m. Low around 24. Windchill values as low as 17. Southwest wind at 10–18 mph shifting to the northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.
- Saturday: Patchy blowing snow. Steady temperature around 28. Windchill values as low as 13. Blustery, with a northwest wind around 23 mph and gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1–2 inches possible.
- Saturday Night: Patchy blowing snow. Low around 18. Windchill values as low as 9. Blustery, with a northwest wind around 21 mph and gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1–3 inches possible.
- Sunday: Snow likely, mainly before 11 a.m. Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 19 by 5 p.m. Northwest wind at 10–16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1–2 inches possible.
- Sunday Night: Snow likely, mainly before 11 p.m. Cloudy, with a steady temperature around 19. West wind at 8–11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1–2 inches possible.
- Monday: A 50% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. West wind at 11–14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. West wind at around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 35.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 19.
- Thursday: 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.
