Damaging Winds in Wyoming, June 20, 2026

Area Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
1113 AM MDT Sat Jun 20 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Beneficial rainfall expected through Sunday.

- Cooler temperatures for Sunday through Tuesday, then a gradual
  warm up for the rest of next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...(This Afternoon Through Friday)
Issued at 1106 AM MDT Sat Jun 20 2026

Current upper-air analysis and water vapor imagery depict weak
troughing over the Great Lakes region with a shortwave positioned
over southern ID/western WY and an upper low over southern AB.
Satellite imagery indicates increased WV and cloud cover over WY and
the NE panhandle. Radar returns show that some early thunderstorms
have formed over south-central SD and central NE, with some light
showers over east-central WY. Surface observations show temperatures
mainly in the 60s to low 70s, with dew points in the 40s across
northeast WY and 40s to low 50s across western SD. Winds are
generally southeasterly at 10 to 20kts gusting to 30kts across
northeast WY and western SD. Gusty southeasterly winds up to 40kts
will continue to develop over the SD plains, with the strongest
winds over northwest SD.

Confidence in severe weather today is currently mixed due to
increased cloud cover over much of northeastern WY and western SD as
the shortwave approaches. The 12z HREF run still suggests conditions
will still be leaning towards a moderate chance for severe storms
over northeast WY, the Black Hills, and into far southwestern SD.
SPC has moved the slight risk out of the region, leaving just the
marginal risk for northeast WY and southwestern SD. There is a 2%
tornado risk and 5% severe wind and hail risk for those areas. A
possible landspout can't be ruled out over northeast WY. Storms
will continue to develop late this morning/early afternoon across
northeast WY and south-central SD. Multiple rounds of storms are
expected to move through northeast WY into western SD throughout
the afternoon and evening. The first round of storms may wipe out
the environment, resulting in weaker storms during the second
round. We will have to wait and see if the environment will be
able to recover. The best chance for severe weather will still be
southeast WY into the NE panhandle where conditions are more
favorable.

Thunderstorms and showers will continue to move through the region
into the overnight hours and persist into Sunday as the shortwave
continues to move across the region. Severe weather is unlikely. QPF
values through Sunday evening are still trending towards at least
0.50" for most locations, with higher amounts east of the Black
Hills, where 1.00" to 1.50" is not out of the question. Temperatures
will be cooler Sunday with highs ranging in the 60s to low 70s.
Winds will also be on the lighter side.

Next week will start off cooler and wet as a cold front pushes
through, bringing another round of showers to the region. Chances
for precipitation will continue throughout the week as temperatures
gradually warm up by the end of the week.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS Through 18Z Sunday)
Issued At 1102 AM MDT Sat Jun 20 2026

Expect gradually deteriorating conditions today as an upper level
disturbance moves into the region. Moist southeasterly upslope
flow will develop with stratus expected on the western SD Plains,
especially near the Black Hills. Showers and thunderstorms are
expected this afternoon and evening, with convection developing
over WY and spreading east. More persistent showers are expected
tonight into Sunday, especially across northwest South Dakota.
Expect widespread stratus later tonight with IFR to local LIFR
conditions.

&&

.UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...None.
WY...None.
&&

DISCUSSION...Schultz
AVIATION...MLS

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
146 PM MDT Sat Jun 20 2026

SDZ024-025-202015-
Northern Black Hills SD-Northern Foothills SD-
146 PM MDT Sat Jun 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL LAWRENCE AND
SOUTHWESTERN MEADE COUNTIES UNTIL 215 PM MDT...

At 146 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Terry Peak, or over Lead, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
  Lead, Deadwood, Whitewood, Central City, Galena, Cheyenne Crossing,
  Terry Peak, Apple Springs and Spearfish Canyon.

This includes Interstate 90 in South Dakota between Mile Markers 21
and 23.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

&&

LAT...LON 4424 10386 4438 10394 4451 10366 4431 10355
TIME...MOT...LOC 1944Z 247DEG 20KT 4434 10380

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Schultz