Snowfall this weekend will bring much needed moisture to the region

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - A band of snow showers will pass through the region overnight and could drop a light dusting of snow, up to 2″ for parts of the South Dakota plains. Low temperatures will be in the 20s for many.

Scattered clouds are expected Saturday with some clearing in the early afternoon. Temperatures will range from the 30s up north to the 40s and 50s elsewhere. Isolated rain and snow showers will arrive later Saturday afternoon and evening.

There is the potential for a light icing of freezing drizzle and sleet Saturday night into Sunday morning before the snow begins to fall. This could create a slick layer under any snow that falls.

Snow intensity will pick up through Sunday morning and into the afternoon/evening hours. Accumulations are expected for many with the highest amounts from the northern Black Hills into northwest South Dakota and eastward onto the plains. Anywhere from 5″-10″ to 6″-12″ will be possible in spots.

For Rapid City, a wide range of 3″-8″ is forecast as of now. If the storm track shifts slightly east, we would be closer to the 3″ of that range, but if it shifts a bit more west we could be looking at the higher side. The center of the storm system will move on shore late tonight and early Saturday morning, which should help paint a better picture on what to expect in terms of snowfall.

Along with the snow, strong winds are expected to develop Sunday into Monday morning, where gusts up to 50 mph or higher will be possible. This will cause blizzard-like conditions with blowing and drifting snow. Expect difficult driving conditions across the region.

There are signs of temperatures in the 40s to near 50° Wednesday or Thursday next week, but the latest data is hinting at another chance for some snow the final weekend of March. Let’s sort through the storm this weekend before we dive into the next snow chance. Stay tuned.

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