Sioux Falls, South Dakota – After a frigid start to December, South Dakota is flipping the script just ahead of Christmas, with an unusually warm air mass pushing temperatures into near-record territory across the eastern half of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, forecast high temperatures Wednesday through Christmas Day are expected to run far above seasonal averages, with some locations approaching or even breaking long-standing daily records. Normal highs this time of year typically sit in the upper 20s to low 30s, but forecast highs are projected well into the upper 40s and 50s.
Sioux Falls is expected to reach the upper 40s to near 50 degrees, while Sioux City could climb into the low to mid-50s. Mitchell and Huron are also forecast to push into the upper 40s and lower 50s. Several of these readings would come within a few degrees of record highs set decades ago, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The mild pattern will be driven by persistent southerly flow, helping overnight temperatures stay elevated as well. Morning lows may remain above freezing in some areas, which is unusual for late December in South Dakota.
Residents should be prepared for rapidly melting snow, wet spots on roads, and a very different holiday feel than usual. While no major hazards are expected, additional updates will be issued if record temperatures appear more likely as Christmas approaches.
