Storm Center PM Update: Strong Spring storm ahead

SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) – After a cool front dropped down on us overnight, we’re much cooler today than yesterday. But it is only a temporary cooldown.

Tonight we’ll have a few clouds coming through, but dry. Lows will be in the mid 20s to around 30 as our breeze winds around to the south.

Tomorrow will be partly to mostly sunny, with a very light easterly breeze. Temperatures will bounce back, about 20 degrees above normal, with highs in the low to mid 60s.

South winds will pick up speed on Thursday, and they’ll be from the south so we’ll be even warmer. Highs will be in the low to mid 70s, with is about 30 degrees above normal for mid March.

Then our attention turns to the potentially strong Spring storm we’ve been talking about since early next week. Very strong winds, with rain and thunderstorms mixing with and changing to wind-driven snow.Friday will start as another exceptionally warm day. But late in the day and Friday night, with expect rain and thunderstorms. They are especially likely in eastern KELOLAND, and may come with thunder and lightning. Severe weather is not impossible, and winds will become very strong through Saturday.

As the storm passes through eastern KELOLAND on Saturday, very strong winds will change to a northerly direction, dragging in colder air and mixing the rain with snow.

As far as snow totals, it will not be that much, mostly in the range of a few inches. But because of the fierce winds, there will likely be travel problems, especially in the open areas, with visibility issues.

The wet, sloppy system should exit KELOLAND Saturday night, leaving behind a sunny, colder day on Sunday, with highs only in the 30s. It will start to warm up again on Monday, which is the official St. Patrick’s Day.

But looking ahead, we’re looking at another potentially strong Spring storm system by the middle of next week, for rain mixed with snow.