Rally weather
Rally weather
Just to let some of yall that are from far away know. This has been a pretty steady wet year in SD. I live in the east but watch the whole state. We have been seeing regular strong storms roll through. There has been flash flooding, more in the east but also out in the hills. on 7/17 the area of Keystone (think of Mt. Rushmore) got 5 INCHES of hail. Not large damaging type but a lot of it.
Please keep our crazy weather in mind as you travel for the rally and be safe. It rains in the black hills somewhere, pretty much every day.
Please keep our crazy weather in mind as you travel for the rally and be safe. It rains in the black hills somewhere, pretty much every day.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 212
Likes: 54
From: Fargo, ND
Had a tornado and golf ball size hail hit Spearfish June 29th. We were under cover at a camp site so didn't know about the tornado in Spearfish canyon till later. Lots of damaged bikes. Don't worry it would never happen during the rally. 
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 727
From: Michigan
We were in the hills the latter part of June. Thursday's temperature was 103 degrees. Saturday's temp was 55 and raining. It has been a crazy weather year out there. Rally week is usually good for a dandy storm or two.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
According to accuweather, the Dakotas and Mountain West will experience persistent well above-avg heating through August. Combine that with the usual cooler evenings in SD and this means a lot of chances for strong afternoon/evening storms. It's the luck of the draw. I will be camping again this year during the rally. Have camped three times already and never experienced the heavy hail that can be common during storms. There has been plenty of times it rained or stormed but never the legendary stuff people talk about. I am bringing the heavy duty bike cover this time and an extra tarp as I have a feeling my lucky streak will run out. Already mailed my camping stuff out to katmandu for when I ride in. Based on the weather trend predictions, its more likely than not its going to be a hot rally and a chance for at least one serious storm during the week.
Last edited by MiniWolf; Jul 20, 2018 at 01:37 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 125
From: Parris Island
you gotta be a weatherman, stated all the possibilities, and didn't make a commitment....I like your style...LMAO...
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
OK. I predict the rally will have a few hot days, it will rain a few times at least. And there might be a big storm with hail. The only thing I can predict with 100% certainty is that you will see black Street Glides at the rally.
As for this weekend, Accuweather currently has a flash flood warning for the Black Hills through Sunday. Possible heavy storms with torrential downpours. The extended forecast has changed wildly since I looked earlier this week. Was in the 90's the week of the rally. Now it's the low 80's..
As for this weekend, Accuweather currently has a flash flood warning for the Black Hills through Sunday. Possible heavy storms with torrential downpours. The extended forecast has changed wildly since I looked earlier this week. Was in the 90's the week of the rally. Now it's the low 80's..
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
I predict all the people that really want to do Sturgis will be there and endure any weather conditions they come across. The thing is it can be hailing in Deadwood and clear in Hill city. It all depends on where you are that day. Luck of the draw, that's the ticket. See you there.
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