Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Surface smoke from regional wildfires is creating unhealthy air quality across eastern South Dakota and nearby states, with conditions especially hazardous for sensitive groups through at least Sunday. Thunderstorms are also set to roll in late Saturday night, bringing potential pockets of heavy rain.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, smoke will linger west of I-29 today and may return late Sunday into Monday. Visibility could drop at times, and anyone with respiratory issues should limit outdoor activity.
Tonight’s storm chances begin after 2 a.m., with a 50% chance of rain and localized downpours possible by sunrise. Sunday could see an uptick in thunderstorm activity, particularly between 10 a.m. and early evening. Rain totals may exceed half an inch in isolated spots.
Areas of concern include Sioux Falls, Brookings, Yankton, and Pipestone, where winds may shift smoke back into the region. South southeast winds up to 15 mph will accompany storm cells.
While severe weather is unlikely through Sunday, a few stronger storms could emerge Monday and Tuesday as instability builds. Forecast confidence for midweek remains moderate, with further updates likely by Monday morning.
Five Day Forecast for Sioux Falls, South Dakota:
- Saturday: Areas of smoke before 10 a.m., high near 75°F.
- Sunday: Showers and storms likely, high of 75°F.
- Monday: Chance of thunderstorms, high near 79°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny early, storms possible late, high of 82°F.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 85°F.
