National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Wave Persists Over the Central U.S.; Significant Flooding Expected in the Northern Mid-Atlantic Tuesday

Dangerous and extreme heat will remain across portions of the Central U.S. this week, persisting across the Mid to Lower Mississippi Valleys, Gulf Coast, Southern Plains and portions of Texas. A heat wave over the Southwest will intensify late this week. Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding will spread from the Great Lakes/Ohio Valley to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast the next few days. 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.