Storm Center PM Update: Active Weather Returns Tonight

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Temperatures have climbed to above-average across KELOLAND today with windy conditions. Some areas in eastern South Dakota and southwest Minnesota have had wind gusts up to 40 mph. With the dry weather continuing, extreme fire danger across central and eastern KELOLAND will be a concern heading into this evening.

Gusty winds will continue to persist going into tonight as a cold front pushes through our area. In East River, winds will continue to stay southerly ahead of the front and lows will stay mild for this time of year.

Chances for scattered rain showers will increase throughout the night as the cold front moves eastward. With cooler temperatures behind the front, the Black Hills will see frozen precipitation as a mix of rain and snow lingers going into the day Friday. Snow accumulations will be mainly light.

Precipitation is well overdue for our region, the updated drought monitor shows drought conditions continue to worsen. Severe drought is spreading further into western and eastern KELOLAND.

Strong winds will diminish into Saturday with temperatures staying above-average. There will be small chances for rain for the weekend, but a low pressure system in the western United States will bring more potential for precipitation going into the start of next week. Otherwise, we will continue to stay quiet and cool back down to seasonable temperatures by the end of next week.