National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Fire Weather Concerns West; Thunderstorms in the Upper Midwest

Dry and breezy conditions will enhance fire weather concerns across portions of the northern and central High Plains through Saturday, where fuels remain largely receptive. Severe thunderstorms are possible across portions of central Nebraska to the Upper Midwest this Friday afternoon into tonight. Read More >

The following tables show the climate information for Rapid City, Gillette, Lead, Winner, Lemmon, Sundance, Spearfish, Newcastle, Hot Springs, and Custer on St. Patrick’s Day, as well as the weather in Rapid City and Gillette for the past 10 St. Patrick’s Days. Average highs around the area on March 17th are in the 40s, with average lows in the 20s.

In 2023, much of the area experienced their coldest St. Patrick's Day of the last decade, with highs generally in the 20s and light snow in some locations. However, in 2024, milder conditions returned, with near-normal temperatures and dry weather.