Rapid City 4NW Weather Records (USC00396947)
Record envelope, standing records and threshold days for Rapid City 4NW (USC00396947), South Dakota, United States, with 78 years of record.
Key Facts for Rapid City 4NW
- Rapid City 4NW (USC00396947) is a weather station in South Dakota, United States at 44.12 latitude and -103.28 longitude, 1,060 m (3,479 ft) above sea level.
- The station reports from 1949 to 2026, 78 years of record.
- 1,464 records set at Rapid City 4NW still stand.
- Records are tracked for tmax, tmin, prcp, snow, snwd: an element needs 30 years of data to be eligible.
- Rapid City 4NW set a daily record high maximum temperature of 33.3 C (91.9 F) on 12 October 2026 (provisional).
Provisional Records
Records set in the last 60 days are provisional until they clear the revision window.
About the Station
- Location: South Dakota, United States, 44.12 latitude, -103.28 longitude.
- Elevation: 1,060 m (3,479 ft).
- Period of record: 1949 to 2026, 78 years.
- Eligible elements: tmax, tmin, prcp, snow, snwd.
Daily Record Envelope and 2026
22 days at or beyond a record| Month | Highest record high | Lowest record low | 2026 highest maximum | 2026 lowest minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22.8 C (73.0 F) | -31.7 C (-25.1 F) | 17.2 C (63.0 F) | -24.4 C (-11.9 F) |
| Feb | 25.6 C (78.1 F) | -33.3 C (-27.9 F) | 20.6 C (69.1 F) | -18.3 C (-0.9 F) |
| Mar | 28.3 C (82.9 F) | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) | 28.3 C (82.9 F) | -15.0 C (5.0 F) |
| Apr | 32.2 C (90.0 F) | -18.3 C (-0.9 F) | 31.7 C (89.1 F) | -4.4 C (24.1 F) |
| May | 37.2 C (99.0 F) | -7.2 C (19.0 F) | 31.7 C (89.1 F) | -3.3 C (26.1 F) |
| Jun | 41.1 C (106.0 F) | -0.6 C (30.9 F) | 36.7 C (98.1 F) | 6.7 C (44.1 F) |
| Jul | 41.7 C (107.1 F) | 3.9 C (39.0 F) | 41.7 C (107.1 F) | 11.1 C (52.0 F) |
| Aug | 40.0 C (104.0 F) | 3.3 C (37.9 F) | 38.3 C (100.9 F) | 8.9 C (48.0 F) |
| Sep | 39.4 C (102.9 F) | -6.1 C (21.0 F) | 35.0 C (95.0 F) | 7.8 C (46.0 F) |
| Oct | 34.4 C (93.9 F) | -20.0 C (-4.0 F) | 33.3 C (91.9 F) | 2.2 C (36.0 F) |
| Nov | 28.3 C (82.9 F) | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) | n/a | n/a |
| Dec | 23.3 C (73.9 F) | -33.9 C (-29.0 F) | n/a | n/a |
Which Years Hold Standing Records
1,464 standing records| Year set | Standing records |
|---|---|
| 1949 | 15 |
| 1950 | 35 |
| 1951 | 23 |
| 1952 | 21 |
| 1953 | 24 |
| 1954 | 33 |
| 1955 | 26 |
| 1956 | 19 |
| 1957 | 18 |
| 1958 | 15 |
| 1959 | 19 |
| 1960 | 27 |
| 1961 | 17 |
| 1962 | 23 |
| 1963 | 31 |
| 1964 | 18 |
| 1965 | 28 |
| 1966 | 22 |
| 1967 | 13 |
| 1968 | 26 |
| 1969 | 19 |
| 1970 | 10 |
| 1971 | 8 |
| 1972 | 29 |
| 1973 | 19 |
| 1974 | 22 |
| 1975 | 15 |
| 1976 | 19 |
| 1977 | 13 |
| 1978 | 13 |
| 1979 | 15 |
| 1980 | 16 |
| 1981 | 12 |
| 1982 | 11 |
| 1983 | 17 |
| 1984 | 18 |
| 1985 | 31 |
| 1986 | 23 |
| 1987 | 21 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 35 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1991 | 19 |
| 1992 | 34 |
| 1993 | 26 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 20 |
| 1997 | 23 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 18 |
| 2000 | 19 |
| 2001 | 9 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 15 |
| 2004 | 9 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 11 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 14 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2012 | 24 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 13 |
All-Time Record Progression
6 new records| Date | Kind | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-01-14 | Record low minimum temperature | Record low minimum temperature -31.7 C (-25.1 F) |
| 1989-02-02 | Record low minimum temperature | Record low minimum temperature -32.2 C (-26.0 F) |
| 1989-02-03 | Record low maximum temperature | Record low maximum temperature -30.6 C (-23.1 F) |
| 1989-02-03 | Record low minimum temperature | Record low minimum temperature -32.8 C (-27.0 F) |
| 1989-12-22 | Record low minimum temperature | Record low minimum temperature -33.9 C (-29.0 F) |
| 1999-06-03 | Record daily precipitation | Record daily precipitation 101.6 mm (4.0 in) |
Wettest Day of Each Month
Jun: 101.6 mm (4.0 in)| Month | Record daily precipitation (mm) | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17.8 mm (0.7 in) | 9 January 1993 |
| Feb | 18.0 mm (0.7 in) | 9 February 1953 |
| Mar | 45.7 mm (1.8 in) | 16 March 1963 |
| Apr | 62.0 mm (2.4 in) | 8 April 2024 |
| May | 76.2 mm (3.0 in) | 29 May 2019 |
| Jun | 101.6 mm (4.0 in) | 3 June 1999 |
| Jul | 67.1 mm (2.6 in) | 25 July 1981 |
| Aug | 68.1 mm (2.7 in) | 12 August 1986 |
| Sep | 78.0 mm (3.1 in) | 14 September 1998 |
| Oct | 68.6 mm (2.7 in) | 9 October 1997 |
| Nov | 50.8 mm (2.0 in) | 21 November 2003 |
| Dec | 15.2 mm (0.6 in) | 4 December 1960 |
Period of Record Coverage
1949 to 2026| Year | Days with data | Share of year | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | 214 | 59% | No |
| 1950 | 355 | 97% | Yes |
| 1951 | 363 | 99% | Yes |
| 1952 | 366 | 100% | Yes |
| 1953 | 364 | 100% | Yes |
| 1954 | 364 | 100% | Yes |
| 1955 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1956 | 362 | 99% | Yes |
| 1957 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1958 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1959 | 361 | 99% | Yes |
| 1960 | 366 | 100% | Yes |
| 1961 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1962 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1963 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1964 | 336 | 92% | Yes |
| 1965 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1966 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1967 | 364 | 100% | Yes |
| 1968 | 366 | 100% | Yes |
| 1969 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1970 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1971 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1972 | 366 | 100% | Yes |
| 1973 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1974 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1975 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1976 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1977 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1978 | 337 | 92% | Yes |
| 1979 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 1980 | 366 | 100% | Yes |
| 1981 | 327 | 90% | No |
| 1982 | 361 | 99% | Yes |
| 1983 | 301 | 82% | No |
| 1984 | 274 | 75% | No |
| 1985 | 239 | 65% | No |
| 1986 | 333 | 91% | Yes |
| 1987 | 358 | 98% | Yes |
| 1988 | 359 | 98% | Yes |
| 1989 | 353 | 97% | Yes |
| 1990 | 349 | 96% | Yes |
| 1991 | 351 | 96% | Yes |
| 1992 | 343 | 94% | Yes |
| 1993 | 309 | 85% | No |
| 1994 | 343 | 94% | Yes |
| 1995 | 349 | 96% | Yes |
| 1996 | 356 | 97% | Yes |
| 1997 | 341 | 93% | Yes |
| 1998 | 350 | 96% | Yes |
| 1999 | 353 | 97% | Yes |
| 2000 | 334 | 91% | Yes |
| 2001 | 291 | 80% | No |
| 2002 | 222 | 61% | No |
| 2003 | 253 | 69% | No |
| 2004 | 219 | 60% | No |
| 2005 | 346 | 95% | Yes |
| 2006 | 360 | 99% | Yes |
| 2007 | 241 | 66% | No |
| 2008 | 185 | 51% | No |
| 2009 | 302 | 83% | No |
| 2010 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 2011 | 353 | 97% | Yes |
| 2012 | 364 | 99% | Yes |
| 2013 | 364 | 100% | Yes |
| 2014 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 2015 | 365 | 100% | Yes |
| 2016 | 366 | 100% | Yes |
| 2017 | 364 | 100% | Yes |
| 2018 | 362 | 99% | Yes |
| 2019 | 360 | 99% | Yes |
| 2020 | 362 | 99% | Yes |
| 2021 | 345 | 95% | Yes |
| 2022 | 256 | 70% | No |
| 2023 | 362 | 99% | Yes |
| 2024 | 361 | 99% | Yes |
| 2025 | 360 | 99% | Yes |
| 2026 | 282 | 77% | No |
Latest Records
20| Date | Station | Record | Value | Beat old record by | Old record stood | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 October 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max (Provisional) | 33.3 C (91.9 F) | 2.2 C (4.0 F) | 69 years | 29 of 100 (Routine) |
| 10 October 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max (Provisional) | 33.3 C (91.9 F) | 2.2 C (4.0 F) | 23 years | 15 of 100 (Routine) |
| 3 August 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max | 38.3 C (100.9 F) | 1.1 C (2.0 F) | 71 years | 30 of 100 (Routine) |
| 27 July 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max (Tie) | 38.3 C (100.9 F) | tie | 3 years | 1 of 100 (Routine) |
| 26 July 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high min | 24.4 C (75.9 F) | 1.1 C (2.0 F) | 56 years | 26 of 100 (Routine) |
| 26 July 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | all-time high max (Tie) | 41.7 C (107.1 F) | tie | 72 years | 12 of 100 (Routine) |
| 25 July 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max (Tie) | 38.9 C (102.0 F) | tie | 39 years | 4 of 100 (Routine) |
| 15 July 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max (Tie) | 37.8 C (100.0 F) | tie | 25 years | 3 of 100 (Routine) |
| 13 July 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max | 40.0 C (104.0 F) | 1.7 C (3.1 F) | 1 year | 10 of 100 (Routine) |
| 8 June 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max (Tie) | 36.7 C (98.1 F) | tie | 37 years | 4 of 100 (Routine) |
| 31 May 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily rain | 29.5 mm (1.2 in) | 8.4 mm (0.33 in) | 75 years | 36 of 100 (Notable) |
| 7 May 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily low min (Tie) | -2.8 C (27.0 F) | tie | 36 years | 4 of 100 (Routine) |
| 6 May 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily low min (Tie) | -2.8 C (27.0 F) | tie | 36 years | 4 of 100 (Routine) |
| 23 April 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max (Tie) | 31.7 C (89.1 F) | tie | 36 years | 4 of 100 (Routine) |
| 22 March 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | monthly high max | 28.3 C (82.9 F) | 0.5 C (0.9 F) | 0 years | 17 of 100 (Routine) |
| 21 March 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max | 27.2 C (81.0 F) | 1.1 C (2.0 F) | 28 years | 16 of 100 (Routine) |
| 20 March 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | monthly high max | 27.8 C (82.0 F) | 0.6 C (1.1 F) | 39 years | 28 of 100 (Routine) |
| 20 March 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high min | 5.6 C (42.1 F) | 1.2 C (2.2 F) | 28 years | 16 of 100 (Routine) |
| 19 March 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily high max (Tie) | 23.9 C (75.0 F) | tie | 13 years | 2 of 100 (Routine) |
| 16 March 2026 | Rapid City 4NW, US | daily low max | -7.8 C (18.0 F) | 3.9 C (7.0 F) | 37 years | 22 of 100 (Routine) |
Climate Trend
60 complete years, 1950 to 2025| Year | Annual mean temperature | Difference from the station mean |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 7.2 C | -1.43 C |
| 1951 | 7.2 C | -1.39 C |
| 1952 | 9.9 C | +1.23 C |
| 1953 | 10.3 C | +1.64 C |
| 1954 | 9.9 C | +1.30 C |
| 1955 | 8.7 C | +0.09 C |
| 1956 | 9.5 C | +0.87 C |
| 1957 | 8.3 C | -0.29 C |
| 1958 | 9.3 C | +0.66 C |
| 1959 | 8.8 C | +0.22 C |
| 1960 | 9.1 C | +0.52 C |
| 1961 | 10.0 C | +1.34 C |
| 1962 | 9.3 C | +0.64 C |
| 1963 | 10.2 C | +1.54 C |
| 1965 | 8.8 C | +0.13 C |
| 1966 | 8.4 C | -0.18 C |
| 1967 | 8.9 C | +0.31 C |
| 1968 | 8.9 C | +0.28 C |
| 1969 | 8.8 C | +0.21 C |
| 1970 | 8.8 C | +0.13 C |
| 1971 | 8.4 C | -0.25 C |
| 1972 | 7.9 C | -0.72 C |
| 1973 | 9.1 C | +0.44 C |
| 1974 | 9.6 C | +1.02 C |
| 1975 | 8.1 C | -0.54 C |
| 1976 | 9.4 C | +0.75 C |
| 1977 | 9.2 C | +0.56 C |
| 1979 | 8.0 C | -0.60 C |
| 1980 | 9.5 C | +0.92 C |
| 1982 | 7.3 C | -1.30 C |
| 1987 | 10.7 C | +2.08 C |
| 1988 | 10.7 C | +2.08 C |
| 1989 | 7.2 C | -1.45 C |
| 1990 | 8.4 C | -0.23 C |
| 1991 | 8.4 C | -0.24 C |
| 1992 | 8.2 C | -0.45 C |
| 1994 | 8.0 C | -0.59 C |
| 1995 | 7.6 C | -1.07 C |
| 1996 | 6.1 C | -2.52 C |
| 1997 | 7.7 C | -0.96 C |
| 1998 | 8.6 C | -0.07 C |
| 1999 | 9.2 C | +0.61 C |
| 2000 | 8.5 C | -0.15 C |
| 2005 | 8.6 C | +0.02 C |
| 2006 | 9.0 C | +0.42 C |
| 2010 | 7.7 C | -0.97 C |
| 2011 | 7.6 C | -1.00 C |
| 2012 | 10.0 C | +1.35 C |
| 2013 | 7.5 C | -1.16 C |
| 2014 | 7.0 C | -1.58 C |
| 2015 | 8.8 C | +0.17 C |
| 2016 | 9.6 C | +0.93 C |
| 2017 | 8.6 C | -0.04 C |
| 2018 | 7.2 C | -1.42 C |
| 2019 | 6.3 C | -2.29 C |
| 2020 | 8.5 C | -0.15 C |
| 2021 | 8.8 C | +0.17 C |
| 2023 | 8.5 C | -0.12 C |
| 2024 | 9.5 C | +0.91 C |
| 2025 | 8.5 C | -0.17 C |
The annual mean temperature here has fallen by 0.12 C (0.02 to 0.23) per decade over 1950 to 2025. In Fahrenheit: 0.22 F (0.03 to 0.42) per decade. The slope is a straight line fitted to 60 complete years; the brackets give its 95 percent interval.
| Measure | Per decade (C) | Per decade (F) | Period | Complete years | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual mean temperature | -0.12 C (-0.23 to -0.01) per decade | -0.22 F (-0.42 to -0.03) per decade | 1950 to 2025 | 60 | Fall |
| Mean daily maximum | -0.09 C (-0.22 to 0.05) per decade | -0.2 F (-0.4 to 0.1) per decade | 1950 to 2025 | 60 | Not clearly different from zero |
| Mean daily minimum | -0.2 C (-0.3 to -0.1) per decade | -0.3 F (-0.5 to -0.1) per decade | 1950 to 2025 | 60 | Fall |
A year is complete when all 12 months have at least 20 days of both daily maximum and daily minimum readings. The annual mean is the mean of the monthly means. The trend describes this one station over this period; it does not say what caused the change.
Extremes by Year
1949 to 2026| Measure | Record | Year of the record | Median year | Years with a value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hottest day (TXx) | 41.7 C (107.1 F) | 1954 | 38.3 C (100.9 F) | 78 |
| Coldest night (TNn) | -33.9 C (-29.0 F) | 1989 | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) | 78 |
| Wettest day (Rx1day) | 101.6 mm (4.0 in) | 1999 | 45.0 mm (1.8 in) | 78 |
| Wettest five days (Rx5day) | 139.7 mm (5.5 in) | 1976 | 61.5 mm (2.4 in) | 78 |
| Longest dry spell (CDD) | 65 days | 2012 | 32 days | 78 |
Hottest day (TXx)
| Year | Hottest day (TXx) |
|---|---|
| 1949 | 38.9 C (102.0 F) |
| 1950 | 35.6 C (96.1 F) |
| 1951 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 1952 | 40.6 C (105.1 F) |
| 1953 | 37.2 C (99.0 F) |
| 1954 | 41.7 C (107.1 F) |
| 1955 | 37.8 C (100.0 F) |
| 1956 | 37.2 C (99.0 F) |
| 1957 | 37.2 C (99.0 F) |
| 1958 | 37.8 C (100.0 F) |
| 1959 | 38.3 C (100.9 F) |
| 1960 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 1961 | 40.0 C (104.0 F) |
| 1962 | 36.1 C (97.0 F) |
| 1963 | 36.1 C (97.0 F) |
| 1964 | 37.8 C (100.0 F) |
| 1965 | 38.3 C (100.9 F) |
| 1966 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 1967 | 36.1 C (97.0 F) |
| 1968 | 35.6 C (96.1 F) |
| 1969 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 1970 | 38.9 C (102.0 F) |
| 1971 | 37.2 C (99.0 F) |
| 1972 | 37.2 C (99.0 F) |
| 1973 | 41.7 C (107.1 F) |
| 1974 | 40.6 C (105.1 F) |
| 1975 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 1976 | 38.9 C (102.0 F) |
| 1977 | 40.0 C (104.0 F) |
| 1978 | 38.9 C (102.0 F) |
| 1979 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 1980 | 41.7 C (107.1 F) |
| 1981 | 41.7 C (107.1 F) |
| 1982 | 36.1 C (97.0 F) |
| 1983 | 40.0 C (104.0 F) |
| 1984 | 36.7 C (98.1 F) |
| 1985 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 1986 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 1987 | 38.9 C (102.0 F) |
| 1988 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 1989 | 40.0 C (104.0 F) |
| 1990 | 38.9 C (102.0 F) |
| 1991 | 37.2 C (99.0 F) |
| 1992 | 36.7 C (98.1 F) |
| 1993 | 33.3 C (91.9 F) |
| 1994 | 37.2 C (99.0 F) |
| 1995 | 36.1 C (97.0 F) |
| 1996 | 35.0 C (95.0 F) |
| 1997 | 34.4 C (93.9 F) |
| 1998 | 38.3 C (100.9 F) |
| 1999 | 37.2 C (99.0 F) |
| 2000 | 37.8 C (100.0 F) |
| 2001 | 38.3 C (100.9 F) |
| 2002 | 38.9 C (102.0 F) |
| 2003 | 40.0 C (104.0 F) |
| 2004 | 36.7 C (98.1 F) |
| 2005 | 40.0 C (104.0 F) |
| 2006 | 41.1 C (106.0 F) |
| 2007 | 38.9 C (102.0 F) |
| 2008 | 35.0 C (95.0 F) |
| 2009 | 34.4 C (93.9 F) |
| 2010 | 37.2 C (99.0 F) |
| 2011 | 37.8 C (100.0 F) |
| 2012 | 41.1 C (106.0 F) |
| 2013 | 36.1 C (97.0 F) |
| 2014 | 36.7 C (98.1 F) |
| 2015 | 36.1 C (97.0 F) |
| 2016 | 37.8 C (100.0 F) |
| 2017 | 37.8 C (100.0 F) |
| 2018 | 37.8 C (100.0 F) |
| 2019 | 35.6 C (96.1 F) |
| 2020 | 37.8 C (100.0 F) |
| 2021 | 41.1 C (106.0 F) |
| 2022 | 41.7 C (107.1 F) |
| 2023 | 40.0 C (104.0 F) |
| 2024 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 2025 | 39.4 C (102.9 F) |
| 2026 | 41.7 C (107.1 F) |
Coldest night (TNn)
| Year | Coldest night (TNn) |
|---|---|
| 1949 | -18.9 C (-2.0 F) |
| 1950 | -31.1 C (-24.0 F) |
| 1951 | -31.1 C (-24.0 F) |
| 1952 | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) |
| 1953 | -22.8 C (-9.0 F) |
| 1954 | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) |
| 1955 | -26.1 C (-15.0 F) |
| 1956 | -23.9 C (-11.0 F) |
| 1957 | -30.0 C (-22.0 F) |
| 1958 | -22.2 C (-8.0 F) |
| 1959 | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) |
| 1960 | -25.6 C (-14.1 F) |
| 1961 | -22.8 C (-9.0 F) |
| 1962 | -26.7 C (-16.1 F) |
| 1963 | -30.0 C (-22.0 F) |
| 1964 | -28.9 C (-20.0 F) |
| 1965 | -25.6 C (-14.1 F) |
| 1966 | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) |
| 1967 | -27.8 C (-18.0 F) |
| 1968 | -30.0 C (-22.0 F) |
| 1969 | -25.6 C (-14.1 F) |
| 1970 | -25.6 C (-14.1 F) |
| 1971 | -28.9 C (-20.0 F) |
| 1972 | -30.6 C (-23.1 F) |
| 1973 | -27.8 C (-18.0 F) |
| 1974 | -29.4 C (-20.9 F) |
| 1975 | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) |
| 1976 | -28.9 C (-20.0 F) |
| 1977 | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) |
| 1978 | -28.9 C (-20.0 F) |
| 1979 | -31.7 C (-25.1 F) |
| 1980 | -26.7 C (-16.1 F) |
| 1981 | -26.1 C (-15.0 F) |
| 1982 | -31.1 C (-24.0 F) |
| 1983 | -15.6 C (3.9 F) |
| 1984 | -25.0 C (-13.0 F) |
| 1985 | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) |
| 1986 | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) |
| 1987 | -17.8 C (0.0 F) |
| 1988 | -25.6 C (-14.1 F) |
| 1989 | -33.9 C (-29.0 F) |
| 1990 | -33.3 C (-27.9 F) |
| 1991 | -26.1 C (-15.0 F) |
| 1992 | -24.4 C (-11.9 F) |
| 1993 | -28.9 C (-20.0 F) |
| 1994 | -31.7 C (-25.1 F) |
| 1995 | -26.1 C (-15.0 F) |
| 1996 | -33.3 C (-27.9 F) |
| 1997 | -27.8 C (-18.0 F) |
| 1998 | -27.8 C (-18.0 F) |
| 1999 | -23.3 C (-9.9 F) |
| 2000 | -26.1 C (-15.0 F) |
| 2001 | -21.7 C (-7.1 F) |
| 2002 | -25.0 C (-13.0 F) |
| 2003 | -26.1 C (-15.0 F) |
| 2004 | -26.1 C (-15.0 F) |
| 2005 | -23.3 C (-9.9 F) |
| 2006 | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) |
| 2007 | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) |
| 2008 | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) |
| 2009 | -26.1 C (-15.0 F) |
| 2010 | -26.1 C (-15.0 F) |
| 2011 | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) |
| 2012 | -22.2 C (-8.0 F) |
| 2013 | -26.7 C (-16.1 F) |
| 2014 | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) |
| 2015 | -22.8 C (-9.0 F) |
| 2016 | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) |
| 2017 | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) |
| 2018 | -27.2 C (-17.0 F) |
| 2019 | -28.3 C (-18.9 F) |
| 2020 | -21.7 C (-7.1 F) |
| 2021 | -29.4 C (-20.9 F) |
| 2022 | -28.9 C (-20.0 F) |
| 2023 | -30.0 C (-22.0 F) |
| 2024 | -30.6 C (-23.1 F) |
| 2025 | -31.7 C (-25.1 F) |
| 2026 | -24.4 C (-11.9 F) |
Wettest day (Rx1day)
| Year | Wettest day (Rx1day) |
|---|---|
| 1949 | 59.9 mm (2.4 in) |
| 1950 | 27.9 mm (1.1 in) |
| 1951 | 33.3 mm (1.3 in) |
| 1952 | 46.0 mm (1.8 in) |
| 1953 | 54.4 mm (2.1 in) |
| 1954 | 27.9 mm (1.1 in) |
| 1955 | 35.6 mm (1.4 in) |
| 1956 | 24.9 mm (1.0 in) |
| 1957 | 59.7 mm (2.4 in) |
| 1958 | 35.6 mm (1.4 in) |
| 1959 | 33.0 mm (1.3 in) |
| 1960 | 30.5 mm (1.2 in) |
| 1961 | 18.0 mm (0.7 in) |
| 1962 | 78.7 mm (3.1 in) |
| 1963 | 47.5 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1964 | 35.6 mm (1.4 in) |
| 1965 | 68.8 mm (2.7 in) |
| 1966 | 50.8 mm (2.0 in) |
| 1967 | 32.8 mm (1.3 in) |
| 1968 | 45.7 mm (1.8 in) |
| 1969 | 30.5 mm (1.2 in) |
| 1970 | 61.5 mm (2.4 in) |
| 1971 | 41.4 mm (1.6 in) |
| 1972 | 91.4 mm (3.6 in) |
| 1973 | 42.2 mm (1.7 in) |
| 1974 | 48.3 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1975 | 36.3 mm (1.4 in) |
| 1976 | 76.5 mm (3.0 in) |
| 1977 | 48.5 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1978 | 47.0 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1979 | 46.5 mm (1.8 in) |
| 1980 | 52.1 mm (2.1 in) |
| 1981 | 67.1 mm (2.6 in) |
| 1982 | 65.8 mm (2.6 in) |
| 1983 | 40.9 mm (1.6 in) |
| 1984 | 23.4 mm (0.9 in) |
| 1985 | 33.0 mm (1.3 in) |
| 1986 | 68.1 mm (2.7 in) |
| 1987 | 36.1 mm (1.4 in) |
| 1988 | 34.3 mm (1.4 in) |
| 1989 | 48.8 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1990 | 21.3 mm (0.8 in) |
| 1991 | 50.0 mm (2.0 in) |
| 1992 | 25.7 mm (1.0 in) |
| 1993 | 40.6 mm (1.6 in) |
| 1994 | 35.1 mm (1.4 in) |
| 1995 | 50.8 mm (2.0 in) |
| 1996 | 40.6 mm (1.6 in) |
| 1997 | 68.6 mm (2.7 in) |
| 1998 | 78.0 mm (3.1 in) |
| 1999 | 101.6 mm (4.0 in) |
| 2000 | 52.8 mm (2.1 in) |
| 2001 | 37.1 mm (1.5 in) |
| 2002 | 24.6 mm (1.0 in) |
| 2003 | 50.8 mm (2.0 in) |
| 2004 | 23.6 mm (0.9 in) |
| 2005 | 40.6 mm (1.6 in) |
| 2006 | 47.2 mm (1.9 in) |
| 2007 | 40.6 mm (1.6 in) |
| 2008 | 20.6 mm (0.8 in) |
| 2009 | 49.5 mm (1.9 in) |
| 2010 | 50.8 mm (2.0 in) |
| 2011 | 66.5 mm (2.6 in) |
| 2012 | 12.7 mm (0.5 in) |
| 2013 | 50.8 mm (2.0 in) |
| 2014 | 69.9 mm (2.8 in) |
| 2015 | 37.6 mm (1.5 in) |
| 2016 | 38.1 mm (1.5 in) |
| 2017 | 21.3 mm (0.8 in) |
| 2018 | 49.3 mm (1.9 in) |
| 2019 | 76.2 mm (3.0 in) |
| 2020 | 35.1 mm (1.4 in) |
| 2021 | 45.2 mm (1.8 in) |
| 2022 | 50.8 mm (2.0 in) |
| 2023 | 41.9 mm (1.6 in) |
| 2024 | 62.0 mm (2.4 in) |
| 2025 | 32.3 mm (1.3 in) |
| 2026 | 44.7 mm (1.8 in) |
Wettest five days (Rx5day)
| Year | Wettest five days (Rx5day) |
|---|---|
| 1949 | 74.9 mm (2.9 in) |
| 1950 | 37.5 mm (1.5 in) |
| 1951 | 62.8 mm (2.5 in) |
| 1952 | 62.8 mm (2.5 in) |
| 1953 | 76.5 mm (3.0 in) |
| 1954 | 46.2 mm (1.8 in) |
| 1955 | 47.1 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1956 | 51.1 mm (2.0 in) |
| 1957 | 81.1 mm (3.2 in) |
| 1958 | 66.9 mm (2.6 in) |
| 1959 | 56.6 mm (2.2 in) |
| 1960 | 45.5 mm (1.8 in) |
| 1961 | 30.4 mm (1.2 in) |
| 1962 | 102.1 mm (4.0 in) |
| 1963 | 69.3 mm (2.7 in) |
| 1964 | 70.7 mm (2.8 in) |
| 1965 | 96.7 mm (3.8 in) |
| 1966 | 74.7 mm (2.9 in) |
| 1967 | 90.0 mm (3.5 in) |
| 1968 | 87.9 mm (3.5 in) |
| 1969 | 48.3 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1970 | 74.5 mm (2.9 in) |
| 1971 | 64.1 mm (2.5 in) |
| 1972 | 92.9 mm (3.7 in) |
| 1973 | 52.9 mm (2.1 in) |
| 1974 | 55.4 mm (2.2 in) |
| 1975 | 60.7 mm (2.4 in) |
| 1976 | 139.7 mm (5.5 in) |
| 1977 | 48.5 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1978 | 60.9 mm (2.4 in) |
| 1979 | 54.7 mm (2.2 in) |
| 1980 | 56.5 mm (2.2 in) |
| 1981 | 90.3 mm (3.6 in) |
| 1982 | 105.2 mm (4.1 in) |
| 1983 | 49.5 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1984 | 38.1 mm (1.5 in) |
| 1985 | 34.8 mm (1.4 in) |
| 1986 | 70.4 mm (2.8 in) |
| 1987 | 48.2 mm (1.9 in) |
| 1988 | 37.5 mm (1.5 in) |
| 1989 | 56.9 mm (2.2 in) |
| 1990 | 33.6 mm (1.3 in) |
| 1991 | 74.9 mm (2.9 in) |
| 1992 | 34.1 mm (1.3 in) |
| 1993 | 67.0 mm (2.6 in) |
| 1994 | 51.6 mm (2.0 in) |
| 1995 | 121.4 mm (4.8 in) |
| 1996 | 139.4 mm (5.5 in) |
| 1997 | 111.3 mm (4.4 in) |
| 1998 | 80.5 mm (3.2 in) |
| 1999 | 137.6 mm (5.4 in) |
| 2000 | 76.2 mm (3.0 in) |
| 2001 | 41.9 mm (1.6 in) |
| 2002 | 48.0 mm (1.9 in) |
| 2003 | 72.4 mm (2.9 in) |
| 2004 | 23.6 mm (0.9 in) |
| 2005 | 54.1 mm (2.1 in) |
| 2006 | 50.0 mm (2.0 in) |
| 2007 | 40.6 mm (1.6 in) |
| 2008 | 22.3 mm (0.9 in) |
| 2009 | 66.0 mm (2.6 in) |
| 2010 | 79.1 mm (3.1 in) |
| 2011 | 80.2 mm (3.2 in) |
| 2012 | 22.1 mm (0.9 in) |
| 2013 | 105.4 mm (4.1 in) |
| 2014 | 97.8 mm (3.9 in) |
| 2015 | 64.1 mm (2.5 in) |
| 2016 | 40.9 mm (1.6 in) |
| 2017 | 41.2 mm (1.6 in) |
| 2018 | 112.8 mm (4.4 in) |
| 2019 | 100.0 mm (3.9 in) |
| 2020 | 40.9 mm (1.6 in) |
| 2021 | 50.5 mm (2.0 in) |
| 2022 | 52.6 mm (2.1 in) |
| 2023 | 69.8 mm (2.7 in) |
| 2024 | 62.0 mm (2.4 in) |
| 2025 | 55.1 mm (2.2 in) |
| 2026 | 49.2 mm (1.9 in) |
Longest dry spell (CDD)
| Year | Longest dry spell (CDD) |
|---|---|
| 1949 | 26 days |
| 1950 | 30 days |
| 1951 | 30 days |
| 1952 | 35 days |
| 1953 | 47 days |
| 1954 | 33 days |
| 1955 | 22 days |
| 1956 | 24 days |
| 1957 | 28 days |
| 1958 | 47 days |
| 1959 | 27 days |
| 1960 | 27 days |
| 1961 | 30 days |
| 1962 | 35 days |
| 1963 | 28 days |
| 1964 | 41 days |
| 1965 | 28 days |
| 1966 | 21 days |
| 1967 | 35 days |
| 1968 | 23 days |
| 1969 | 35 days |
| 1970 | 25 days |
| 1971 | 24 days |
| 1972 | 24 days |
| 1973 | 37 days |
| 1974 | 24 days |
| 1975 | 42 days |
| 1976 | 50 days |
| 1977 | 17 days |
| 1978 | 29 days |
| 1979 | 33 days |
| 1980 | 43 days |
| 1981 | 51 days |
| 1982 | 27 days |
| 1983 | 48 days |
| 1984 | 60 days |
| 1985 | 44 days |
| 1986 | 31 days |
| 1987 | 37 days |
| 1988 | 36 days |
| 1989 | 32 days |
| 1990 | 42 days |
| 1991 | 39 days |
| 1992 | 45 days |
| 1993 | 34 days |
| 1994 | 40 days |
| 1995 | 33 days |
| 1996 | 31 days |
| 1997 | 42 days |
| 1998 | 40 days |
| 1999 | 45 days |
| 2000 | 28 days |
| 2001 | 34 days |
| 2002 | 41 days |
| 2003 | 22 days |
| 2004 | 45 days |
| 2005 | 30 days |
| 2006 | 51 days |
| 2007 | 25 days |
| 2008 | 20 days |
| 2009 | 25 days |
| 2010 | 28 days |
| 2011 | 18 days |
| 2012 | 65 days |
| 2013 | 22 days |
| 2014 | 27 days |
| 2015 | 36 days |
| 2016 | 28 days |
| 2017 | 25 days |
| 2018 | 26 days |
| 2019 | 18 days |
| 2020 | 37 days |
| 2021 | 31 days |
| 2022 | 42 days |
| 2023 | 30 days |
| 2024 | 41 days |
| 2025 | 20 days |
| 2026 | 55 days |
Each chart shows one value per year; the dot marks the record year. TXx is the hottest daily maximum, TNn the coldest daily minimum, Rx1day and Rx5day the largest one-day and five-day rain totals, and CDD the longest run of days with less than 1 mm of rain. A year with missing days can understate an extreme.
Frost Dates and Growing Season
60 years with a frostAcross 60 years with a frost, the median last spring frost at Rapid City 4NW falls on 8 May and the median first autumn frost on 3 October, which leaves a median of 144 days between them.
In 1987 to 2025 the median growing season was 146 days. That is 2 days more than in 1950 to 1982.
Fitted over all years, the growing season changes by -0.1 days per decade at this station.
| Measure | Median, all years | Earliest period (1950 to 1982) | Recent period (1987 to 2025) | Recent against earliest | Fitted trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last spring frost | 8 May | 7 May | 12 May | 5 days later | +0.6 days per decade |
| First autumn frost | 3 October | 29 September | 6 October | 7 days later | +0.4 days per decade |
| Growing days | 144 days | 144 days | 146 days | 2 days more | -0.1 days per decade |
A frost day is a day with a daily minimum at or below 0 C (32 F). The last spring frost and the first autumn frost are the last and first such days of the cold season, and growing days are the days between them. A negative trend for the last spring frost means it comes earlier.
Rainfall Return Levels
65 years, 1950 to 2025A day with at least 44.8 mm (1.8 in) of rain is expected about once in 2 years. A day with at least 100.8 mm (4.0 in) of rain is expected about once in 100 years.
| Expected about once in | A day with at least | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | 44.8 mm (1.8 in) | |
| 5 years | 60.9 mm (2.4 in) | |
| 10 years | 71.1 mm (2.8 in) | |
| 25 years | 83.5 mm (3.3 in) | |
| 50 years | 92.3 mm (3.6 in) | |
| 100 years | 100.8 mm (4.0 in) | Longer than the 65 years of record |
The levels come from a generalised extreme value (GEV) distribution fitted by L-moments to the wettest-day total of each year, 65 years of values from 1950 to 2025.
A return level is an estimate. It is least reliable for the long periods, 50 and 100 years, and for any period longer than the record behind the fit, where the fit has to reach past the largest day actually observed. It is not a forecast.
The largest wettest-day totals in the fit: 101.6 mm (4.0 in) in 1999; 91.4 mm (3.6 in) in 1972; 78.7 mm (3.1 in) in 1962.
Station Changes
2 suspected2 changes were suspected in the annual mean temperature of Rapid City 4NW, at 1989 and 1998. Each is measured against neighbouring stations.
- Relative to 5 neighbouring stations, the station's annual mean temperature from 1989 ran 0.8 C (1.4 F) lower than in the years before (likely change).
- Relative to 5 neighbouring stations, the station's annual mean temperature from 1998 ran 0.4 C (0.7 F) higher than in the years before (likely change).
| Year | Shift (C) | Shift (F) | Strength | Neighbours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | -0.8 | -1.4 | likely | 5 |
| 1998 | +0.4 | +0.7 | likely | 5 |
Possible change at the station (a move, a new instrument or a new site); the record is kept as measured. A "likely" change has a larger test statistic than a "possible" one. Neither says why the station differs from its neighbours. How changes are found, and the largest ones.
Climate Twins
2010 to 2025 against 1961 to 1990Over 2010 to 2025, Rapid City 4NW had a mean temperature of 8.3 C (46.9 F) and 452.4 mm (17.8 in) of rain a year. The 3 stations whose 1961 to 1990 climate was closest to that are Hemingford (United States, 201 km away), Albin (United States, 310 km away) and Yellow Jacket 2W (United States, 866 km away).
| Twin station | Country | Distance away | Mean temperature, 1961-1990 | Rain a year, 1961-1990 | Climate difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemingford | United States | 201 km (125 mi) | 8.5 C (47.3 F) | 438.8 mm (17.3 in) | 1.07 |
| Albin | United States | 310 km (193 mi) | 8.3 C (46.9 F) | 456.8 mm (18.0 in) | 1.21 |
| Yellow Jacket 2W | United States | 866 km (538 mi) | 8.5 C (47.3 F) | 395.6 mm (15.6 in) | 1.23 |
Twins are stations, not cities. A twin is one of the three stations at least 100 km away whose earlier climate is closest to this station's recent one, so a close match does not mean the two places look alike in other ways. A station move or a gap in a record can change that station's averages. The list describes past climate; it is not a forecast and does not say what caused any change. How twins are found, and a search for any station.
Download the Data
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Climatology Network Daily (GHCN-Daily). Records are computed by World Extreme Weather Monitor and are not official NOAA products. (US Government open data (NOAA NCEI)) Data as of 2026-10-15 (15 October 2026). Records are computed by this site and are not official.
Data as of . Last revised (2026-10-15).