South Dakota Weather 3/9 Morning - Red Flag Warning

Good morning. South Dakota. I'm Michael Mosby. Step outside right now and you're greeted by 40 degrees and clear skies. Feels almost generous for early March. But a cold front is carving through the state as we speak. And it's about to split us in two. Down in Sioux Falls and along Highway 20, you'll hit 62 degrees today — well above normal for this time of year. Head north toward Aberdeen and you top out closer to 58. That front stalling across central South Dakota is drawing a line between mild and cool, with northeast winds gusting to 25 miles an hour this afternoon, especially east of the Missouri River. Tonight brings partly cloudy skies and lows dropping to 28 degrees in central areas, 32 out east. That sets the stage for Tuesday's system. Tuesday starts mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-40s statewide. The action begins Tuesday night — rain and snow likely after 7 P.M., especially along and north of I-90. Eastern South Dakota has a 60 percent chance of precipitation, with snow accumulation under half an inch possible. Central areas could see slightly higher totals. A localized band near the North Dakota border might squeeze out 2 to 4 inches if everything comes together. Wednesday clears out nicely with sunshine returning and highs climbing back to the mid-40s. Thursday brings the warmest day of the week — highs reach the low 60s statewide. But here's the catch: strong winds develop Thursday afternoon, with gusts potentially hitting 30 to 35 miles an hour. Fire weather concerns rise across the Missouri River Valley. Looking ahead to the weekend, another system approaches Friday night into Saturday. Snow chances return Saturday night with accumulations possible, especially northern areas. Sunday stays mostly cloudy with highs in the 30s. See you this afternoon.