Severe Thunderstorms from the Midwest to Mid-Atlantic Tonight; The Heat Continues in the Southern and Eastern U.S.

Strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing large to very large hail, damaging wind gusts and a few strong tornadoes are likely from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic tonight. Moderate Risk (level 4 of 5) of severe thunderstorms is outlooked for the Midwest. A widespread heat wave will peak in the South and East on Friday, with many temperature records expected to be broken. Read More >

The following tables show the climate information for Rapid City, Gillette, Lead, Winner, Lemmon, Sundance, Spearfish, Newcastle, Hot Springs, and Custer on Independence Day, as well as the weather in Rapid City and Gillette for the past 10 Independence Days. Average highs around the area on July 4th are in the 80s, with upper 70s in the Black Hills. Early July is notorious for severe thunderstorms, so be aware of the potential for dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning, strong winds, and large hail when celebrating!

Independence Day in 2023 was unseasonably cool across much of the area, with the high in Rapid City only reaching 61°—a mere one degree above the record low maximum for July 4th. 2024's Independence Day was warmer, but temperatures remained below normal, with highs generally in the 70s.

Records

Averages

Last 10 Years

UNR RSS Feed

Severe Thunderstorms from the Midwest to Mid-Atlantic Tonight; The Heat Continues in the Southern and Eastern U.S.

Independence Day Climate Information