We write about the Black Hills’ wacky weather a fair amount here on the travel blog – and for good reason. It’s one of the defining things that has made the Black Hills region look the way it does.

Wind and water have combined their crazy forces for centuries to erode and shape this landscape into some of the most unique formations in the world – think The Needles Eye and Badlands National Park.

But it’s not always a wild thunderstorm or gale-force wind that changes the way the Black Hills look. Sometimes it’s something softer, more subtle.

Over the weekend, the Black Hills welcomed a gentle on again-off again rain that brought anywhere from just a couple tenths of rain up to nearly three inches in some places.

That moisture, coupled with the last of the melting snow really greened things up here in the Black Hills – and I mean FAST! You could literally see the transition happen within hours.

The drab browns and grays of winter quickly disappeared and were completely overtaken by a bright green that was certainly a welcomed sight.

It happens every year and I’m always amazed at the simple sight of the Black Hills trees and plants making the change – it’s a sure sign that warmer weather is near.

Last week the local weather forecasters were pretty convinced that there was going to be rain during the weekend, so I figured it could be interesting to take a photo of the same Black Hills view before – and then after – the predicted rain. The comparison above is the dramatic result.

These two shots (which, conveniently, are the view from my deck) were taken almost exactly 24 hours apart. I didn’t alter the color or Photoshop the images in any way – other than adding the dates in the lower, right-hand corners.

Thanks to the recent rain showers, the Green Explosion has happened in the Black Hills – it’s a beautiful time to visit. Come – and see for yourself!