Rapid City, S.D. – Residents across western South Dakota should brace for a sharp drop in temperatures early Saturday, as frost advisories take effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. MDT. Gardeners and growers in Pennington, Perkins, Butte, Meade, Custer, and surrounding counties are urged to protect tender vegetation tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, overnight lows will dip as low as 28°F in Harding and Perkins counties, with temperatures near freezing expected across the western plains and Black Hills foothills. While high wind warnings have expired in most areas, frost risks now stretch into northeastern Wyoming, including Newcastle and Moorcroft, where temperatures may fall to 30°F.
Cities including Belle Fourche, Pine Ridge, and Wall are under advisory, with officials recommending residents cover plants or bring them indoors. Friday’s damaging gusts—topping 60 mph in parts of Meade and Pennington counties—have already caused scattered power outages and travel delays for high-profile vehicles.
The frost advisory is expected to lift by mid-morning Saturday, but sensitive crops remain at risk through dawn. Additional weather alerts may follow if another cold front advances this weekend.
