Rapid City, South Dakota – Cold air sweeping across the Northern Plains will bring an unseasonably chilly night to parts of South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, with frost likely forming by early Saturday morning. Temperatures could dip to 31°F, threatening sensitive vegetation.
According to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, a Frost Advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday for Butte, Harding, Northern Perkins, and Southern Perkins counties in South Dakota, as well as Western and Northeastern Crook County in Wyoming. Cities including Belle Fourche, Buffalo, Lemmon, Newell, and Hulett are expected to be within the coldest zones.
Gardeners and growers should act quickly to protect tender plants. Covering outdoor vegetation or bringing potted plants indoors could prevent frost damage. Even short exposure to near-freezing temperatures may be enough to kill unprotected crops or flowers.
The advisory marks one of the first frost events of the season, signaling the region’s gradual transition into fall. More overnight cooling is possible over the next week, especially in rural and low-lying areas.
