South Dakota – The bitter December air sweeping across the Northern Plains grips Sioux Falls and surrounding areas this week, with frigid winds cutting across open fields and roads glazed from refreezing moisture. Drivers heading out today should brace for slick spots and icy bridges as temperatures dive and gusts top 25 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, lingering flurries will taper off this morning, leaving behind dangerously cold air. Wind chills could plummet as low as 25 below zero by early Friday, particularly across exposed rural areas.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure and keep extra layers, blankets, and emergency kits in vehicles. While skies turn mostly clear through Friday, road surfaces may refreeze by evening, creating “black ice” conditions—especially on untreated highways like I-29 and Route 42.
The cold pattern tightens its grip through early next week. Meteorologists are watching for a potential snow chance Saturday into Sunday, with early model hints suggesting a light 1–3 inches possible near the Sioux Falls metro and heavier totals west toward Mitchell and Huron.
By early next week, highs will slowly recover into the upper 20s to low 30s, offering a short reprieve before another Arctic push looms mid-December.
Five-Day Outlook (Sioux Falls, SD):
- Today: Flurries ending, high near 14°F. Wind chill values around -10°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 24°F. Wind chills to -15°F.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 30°F. Low around 14°F.
- Saturday: 30% chance of snow, high near 23°F.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 17°F.
