National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Persists Across the Central and Western U.S.; Fire Weather Concerns in the Rockies and High Plains

Record-breaking heat expected in the Central and Western U.S. for the next several days. Gusty winds and low relative humidity will create elevated to critical fire weather conditions over portions of the Rockies and High Plains Wednesday and Thursday. Rain and mountain snow are possible across the Pacific Northwest into the Rockies through Wednesday. Read More >

Overview

A strong low-pressure system brought heavy snow and very gusty winds to northeastern Wyoming and western South Dakota Christmas Day of 2016. Before the snow, some areas experienced freezing rain and sleet, creating a layer of icing. Generally, 4 to 12 inches of snow fell across the forecast area, with the highest amounts across northwestern SD, northeastern WY, and the Black Hills. Strong winds up to 72 mph created blowing snow, resulting in blizzard conditions across much of the area, even after the snow stopped falling. Many places had drifts several feet high. 

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Devils Tower Gillette 8 mi N Sturgis
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