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Snow showers, then frigid temps in Gillette

Snow and arctic temperatures snarled coal train traffic in the southern Powder River Basin in January 2023. (Alan Nash)

GILLETTE, Wyo. — Gillette should prepare for a chilly weekend with a chance of snow showers today and tomorrow, followed by a significant drop in temperatures Saturday night. However, milder and drier conditions are expected to return next week.

The National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota, forecasts a 50% chance of snow showers in Gillette, primarily after 8 am. Accumulation is expected to be minimal, with less than an inch anticipated. Temperatures will fall throughout the day, reaching around 22 degrees by 5 p.m. Gusty northwest winds will make it feel even colder, with windchill values dipping as low as 10 degrees.

A cold front will bring chances for light snow and windy conditions today. The northern Black Hills could pick up 1–2 inches. Expect a colder Saturday before a warmup Sunday and Monday. (National Weather Service graphic)

Roads remain slick in spots with snow and blowing snow, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

(WYDOT)

While there’s a slight chance of snow showers lingering into Saturday morning, skies will gradually clear, making way for mostly sunny conditions. However, temperatures will remain frigid, with a high near 16 degrees. Saturday night will bring the coldest temperatures of the week, with lows plummeting to around minus 5 degrees and wind chills as low as minus 20.

Sunday marks the beginning of a warming trend, with sunny skies and a high near 21 degrees. The pleasant weather will continue into next week, with temperatures climbing into the low 30s by Monday and reaching the mid-30s by Wednesday. Dry conditions are expected throughout the week.

The NWS in Rapid City attributes this weather pattern to a “Rex block” over western North America, which is keeping Gillette under the influence of a clipper track. The system brings with it a chance of snow showers and gusty winds. A potential “backdoor cold front” midweek could briefly slow the warming trend, but overall, next week promises a welcome respite from the weekend chill.

Detailed Forecast

  • Today: A 50% chance of snow after 8 a.m. Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 22 by 5 p.m. Windchill values as low as 10. Northwest wind at 11–14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than an inch possible.
  • Tonight: A 20% chance of snow showers after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. Windchill values as low as minus 5. Northwest wind at 10–17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
  • Saturday: A 20% chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 16. Windchill values as low as minus 6. Northwest wind 7–15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
  • Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around minus 5. Windchill values as low as minus 20. Southwest wind at 5–9 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.
  • Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 21. Southwest wind at around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.
  • Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a steady temperature around 14. Southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
  • Monday: Sunny, with a high near 32. Southwest wind at 8–11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
  • Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 15. West wind at 8–10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.
  • Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 33.
  • Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 16.
  • Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 34.
  • Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 16.
  • Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 36.

More on the weather is available from the NWS in Rapid City.


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

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