Earliest Snowfall on Record for Rapid City

While the autumnal equinox is still over a week away, Rapid City, South Dakota, received its earliest snowfall on record yesterday. As of Thursday morning, about an inch of snow had fallen in East Rapid City, becoming the earliest snowfall on record since 1888 (Capital Weather Gang). This snowfall is a result of the strong dip in the jet stream which brought much cooler temperatures as well as early wintry precipitation to the northern states and Canada. According to the National Weather Service, Rapid City dropped to a bitter high of 39° yesterday; the normal for this time of year is 78°.

So while much of the country is experiencing cooler, fall-like temperatures this week, Rapid City just received its first taste of winter.