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Dangerous Heat Expands; Heavy Rainfall Threats; Fire Weather Concerns for the West

The heat will increase and expand across the Central Plains, Mississippi Valley, Southeast and into the Eastern U.S. through the week as high pressure builds across the eastern two-thirds of the country. On the northern periphery of this heat, the threat for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the northern Plains and upper Midwest through Tuesday. Critical Fire Weather for the west. Read More >

Overview

A large storm brought heavy rain and historic late season snowfall to the Black Hills region May 20-22, 2019. A powerful low pressure system slowly moved from the Four Corners region northward through the Plains during this time, leading to a prolonged period of precipitation to western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming.

Precipitation type throughout the event was largely dependent on elevation. Locations on the plains north and east of Rapid City saw predominantly rain, while higher elevations in the foothills just to the west and south of Rapid City and the Black Hills received several inches, or even multiple feet, of snow.

For the Black Hills and western South Dakota plains, this three-day period was among the coldest, wettest, and snowiest stretches on record over the latter half of May, with several temperature and precipitation records set.

Enjoying the snow with a cup of coffee south of Deadwood!
Enjoying the snow with a cup of coffee south of Deadwood!
Photo by Michele S 
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