Weather
Wyoming-South Dakota Freeze Warning Tonight: Lows Near 22°F
Rapid City, SD – Dangerous wind gusts reaching 60 mph are threatening travel across western South Dakota on Thursday, October 15, ahead of an overnight freeze that could send temperatures plunging as
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-15T18:11:21.010Z
Rapid City, SD – Dangerous wind gusts reaching 60 mph are threatening travel across western South Dakota on Thursday, October 15, ahead of an overnight freeze that could send temperatures plunging as low as 22 degrees in parts of South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming.
According to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 11 p.m. MDT Thursday for portions of northwestern and southwestern South Dakota. A separate Freeze Warning begins at 9 p.m. Thursday and continues until 9 a.m. MDT Friday, October 16.
Wind Gusts Up to 60 MPH Threaten Drivers Northwest winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts reaching 60 mph, could create hazardous driving conditions, particularly for trucks, trailers, recreational vehicles and other high profile vehicles.
The Weather Service warns that sudden gusts could cause drivers to lose control. Blowing dust may also reduce visibility, while unsecured outdoor objects could become airborne.
Communities under the Wind Advisory include Rapid City, Sturgis, Box Elder, Belle Fourche, Wall, Philip and surrounding areas across western South Dakota.
Temperatures Could Fall Into the Low 20s Overnight As winds ease Thursday night, freezing temperatures will introduce another threat.
The Freeze Warning covers portions of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, including Spearfish, Hot Springs, Pine Ridge, Gillette, Newcastle and surrounding communities.
Temperatures could fall to 27 degrees in some areas, with lows reaching 22 degrees in other locations.
These conditions could kill sensitive vegetation, damage remaining crops and potentially harm exposed outdoor plumbing.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects, protect vulnerable plants and take precautions to prevent freezing damage.
Motorists traveling Thursday afternoon and evening should remain alert for sudden crosswinds and reduced visibility.
Both warnings are scheduled to expire Friday morning or Thursday night, respectively, unless extended by the National Weather Service.