Weather In Badlands National Park

The weather in Badlands National Park varies greatly throughout the year, from snow in the winter months to strong thunderstorms in the summer months. There are also significant variances in temperature and amounts of precipitation throughout the year in Badlands National Park.

Badlands National Park Weather Averages  

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Avg. High

34°

38°

45°

57°

68°

77°

86°

85°

74°

62°

46°

35°

Avg. Low

10°

15°

22°

32°

42°

51°

58°

56°

45°

34°

22°

12°

Daily Avg

22°

27°

34°

45°

55°

65°

72°

71°

60°

48°

35°

24°

Avg. Precip.

0.4 in

0.5 in

1.0 in

1.9 in

2.7 in

3.1 in

2.0 in

1.7 in

1.3 in

1.1 in

0.6 in

0.5 in

The chart above depicts the average high and low temperatures throughout the year, notice that July is the hottest month on average and January is the coldest month on average. The chart also shows average precipitation throughout the year, with the spring and summer months being the wettest and fall and winter months being dryer.

 

Chart credit: http://www.go-southdakota.com/Badlands-National-Park/Weather/

 

 

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during the spring and summer months in Badlands National Park. Thunderstorms have three basic stages; the first being the cumulus stage, the second being the mature stage, and the final being the dissipating stage. During all three stages there is the possibility of lightning developing and visitors to the park should be aware of this danger at all time.

 

 

There are several types of lightning, this photo shows two different types of lightning. The bolt of lightning on the left depicts forked lightning and the bolt on the right depicts ribbon lightning. Lightning is caused by buildup of static electricity in a cloud that is eventually discharged being attracted to its opposite ion (positive to negative and vice versa).

Image credit: http://fredwasmer.com/lightning_storm_badlands_national_park_sd.htm

  

In addition to producing lightning, thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes, which are the most dangerous atmospheric phenomenon on earth.

 



 

This picture shows a rare tornado in Badlands National Park, which occurred June 6, 2007. Because tornadoes are so dangerous their mechanics are still largely unknown, but it is believed that they form from air being sucked up from a strong jet stream above the thunderstorm.

Image credit: http://stormgasm.com/stock%20footage/stock%20footage.htm