Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Residents across southeastern South Dakota should take advantage of one more hot day before a cold front arrives this afternoon, bringing the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms during the evening commute. While the severe weather threat is expected to be brief, any storm that develops could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail and frequent lightning.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, the cold front is expected to move southeast after 5 p.m. Monday, with the greatest risk focused on far southeastern South Dakota, northwest Iowa and far southern Minnesota. The severe weather window is expected to last until around 10 p.m.
The primary hazards include wind gusts up to 65 mph, golf ball-size hail and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning. Communities including Sioux Falls, Yankton, Vermillion, Brookings, Pipestone, Spencer and Storm Lake are among those that could see strong thunderstorms if storms develop along the advancing front.
Although the Storm Prediction Center places much of the region under a Level 1 (Marginal Risk), portions of northwest Iowa are included in a Level 2 (Slight Risk), indicating a greater chance for scattered severe storms capable of producing isolated damage.
Anyone with outdoor plans this evening should closely monitor weather conditions and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Secure loose outdoor items, be prepared to move indoors quickly if thunderstorms approach, and avoid traveling during severe weather if possible. The threat is expected to diminish later tonight as the cold front pushes southeast, though additional forecasts and warnings may be issued if storms intensify.
