MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) – Hot and humid conditions will accompany the final three days of the Corn Palace Festival in downtown Mitchell, with temperatures climbing into the 90s this weekend and thunderstorms possible Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, warm and humid conditions will continue Friday through the weekend. A marginal risk for severe thunderstorms is in place Friday afternoon and overnight, although forecasters have lower confidence in storms developing during the afternoon. The better chance for thunderstorms arrives Friday night, when stronger storms could produce hail up to 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Periodic storm chances could continue through the weekend.
The weather will be an important consideration for thousands of visitors attending the Corn Palace Festival, which continues through Sunday in downtown Mitchell. Festival hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Andy Grammer is scheduled to headline Friday, while Cole Swindell takes the stage Saturday.
Festival visitors should prepare for heat and humidity during daytime activities and keep an eye on the forecast Friday evening and overnight. Anyone outside should have a way to receive weather alerts and know where to seek shelter if thunderstorms approach.
Mitchell forecast
Here’s the day-by-day outlook:
Friday: Mostly sunny and breezy, with a high near 89. South wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.
Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, with the better chances developing later in the evening and overnight. Some storms in the region could become strong to severe, producing large hail and damaging wind gusts. The low will be around 69.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high in the lower 90s. Festival visitors should prepare for warm and humid conditions during afternoon and evening activities.
Saturday night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 70.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, hot and humid, with a high in the lower 90s as the Corn Palace Festival concludes.
Sunday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low in the upper 60s.
Tips
Corn Palace Festival visitors should drink plenty of water and take breaks from the heat, especially during the afternoon. Lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen are recommended for those spending extended periods outdoors.
Those heading downtown Friday should monitor the latest forecast before leaving home and remain weather-aware through the evening. If thunder is heard or a warning is issued, move into a substantial building and remain indoors until the threat has passed.
With downtown street closures and parking restrictions in place for the festival, visitors should also allow extra travel time when heading to and from events.
More information on street closures and parking restrictions: Corn Palace Festival Brings Downtown Mitchell Parking Restrictions, Street Closures – Mitchell Now