It’s going to be a stifling Fourth of July weekend in much of South Dakota, with highs nearing triple digits in some places.
For Sioux Falls National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Samet, it means its time to take care of yourself outside.
“We are going to see those high temperatures through Friday between about mid-80s to mid-90s," Samet said. "Heat index could climb up to about 100, at least in a few spots. Looking at a moderate to low end major heat risk for the Fourth of July. Anybody doing any outdoor activities, make sure you stay hydrated, find areas of shade, perhaps.”
Another issue – sparks. Wildland fire season has been light in the Black Hills so far on account of good rain moving through the area.
“Grounds are certainly wetter than they have been," Samet said. "The heat doesn’t play a huge role unless we were super dry – unless the soils were super dry.”
However, that doesn’t mean severe wildfires can’t begin from a single errant firework shot, and unapproved firework discharges are illegal within the Black Hills Fire Protection District.