We have a couple of sunny, warm days ahead, but the weather is going to change in a very big way as we get closer to the weekend. Strong storms are possible later this week with rain and cooler temperatures through the weekend. Unfortunately, rain could be heavy. Two to three or more inches of rain is possible across parts of our region through early next week.

Today will be mostly sunny and a bit warmer than yesterday. High temperatures will range from the low to mid 80s this afternoon. It could be a bit breezy at times. Wind will be from the south at about 10-20 mph with occasional gusts to 25 mph across central and northern South Dakota.

We are keeping an eye on a system that it will bring a line of thunderstorms across North Dakota, parts of extreme northern and northeastern South Dakota into western Minnesota tonight. A couple of storms could be severe with large hail and strong straight-line wind gusts being the main threat. Storms will likely roll across northeastern South Dakota by mid to late evening and continue east/southeast into western Minnesota after midnight.

We will climb back into the 80s one more time tomorrow afternoon, then our weather pattern will begin a dramatic change that will take us through the weekend and into next week.

By tomorrow night, an area of low pressure will begin to strengthen over the Rocky Mountains and this will bring plenty of moisture and energy for rain and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe tomorrow night and again on Friday and Friday night, but at this point I think our biggest threat will be the potential for heavy rain. As of right now, models are suggesting that the best chance for heavy rain will be late Friday into Friday night and again late Saturday into Sunday. Some places could get two to three or more inches of rain through this weekend. The pattern won’t change much by early next week, either. More rain is possible Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

In addition to the rain, temperatures will also drop considerably this weekend. After reaching the low to mid 80s tomorrow, high temps will drop into the upper 60s Friday and Saturday. Temps will continue to fall into the upper 50s to low 60s on Sunday and will stay there through early next week.

There is a lot that will be happening later this week into this weekend. Phil, Sam and I will be watching the forecast very closely and will have updates as it develops.