Just one short week ago, the seasons officially turned from summer to fall, however I think Mother Nature must have missed the memo. Our first winter storm of the season rolled into the Black Hills overnight.

Yesterday morning here in the northern hills area, the temperature was in the high 70’s. Today, low 30’s and snow! I’m always surprised at the difference twenty-four hours makes here in the Black Hills.

The snow started overnight and is still coming down at a pretty good pace. Most of the area is currently under a high wind warning, a winter weather advisory or both.

The area news stations are sticking with the safe prediction of “several” inches of snow in the higher elevations, and I’ve heard estimates all the way up to 9 inches for the Lead and Deadwood areas.

I’m even a fan of snow and the winter sports season, but I’m not quite ready for it yet this year – heck, I don’t even have my skis tuned up and ready to go.

After last winter’s stellar season, I bet the folks at the area ski hills and snowmobile rental businesses are excited to see this early hint of winter. Last winter, many of them reported the busiest seasons that they’d had in years.

But, back to reality, this is the Black Hills and weather can change on a dime – I’m not going to hold my breath that this snow will stick around long – especially since next week’s weather is forecast to be back near 60 degrees. I guess Mother Nature and I both have some things to get in order before winter truly arrives.