Rainy weather may have dampened early turnout at the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation reported 144,364 vehicles entering the Sturgis area from Aug. 4-6. That’s down about 15% from the previous five-year average.
Sunday was the busiest day, surpassing 60,000 vehicles - an uptick of 4.4% from the average.
Parts of the Black Hills saw scattered showers and cool temps over the weekend. The National Weather Service said temps should warm throughout the week, but they expect spotty showers to continue.
Temperatures will slowly warm through the week; coolest temperatures are expected in the Black Hills. Near daily chances for showers and thunderstorms, although storm coverage will be isolated, and precipitation will be hit or miss. #sdwx #wywx pic.twitter.com/qsGe3s06hF
— NWS Rapid City (@NWSRapidCity) August 7, 2023
The 83rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues through Aug. 13.