SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Winter isn’t waiting around this year. The upper Midwest is locked in a deep freeze this morning as arctic air grips eastern South Dakota and northwest Iowa, pushing temperatures near zero and wind chills below zero.
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls warns of slick travel and fog this morning, particularly on untreated rural highways and bridges. A light wintry mix may redevelop later today, with freezing rain and light snow possible north of Interstate 90 before tapering this evening. Though accumulation is minimal, any glaze of ice could create dangerous roadway conditions.
By midweek, the bigger concern turns to life-threatening cold. Lows by Wednesday night may plunge to –12°F in Sioux Falls, with wind chills between –15°F and –25°F expected through early Thursday. Residents should limit time outdoors, ensure pets have shelter, and prepare vehicles for extreme cold.
Meteorologists note that additional light snow chances may return over the weekend, though no major accumulation is expected. Still, the combination of snow cover and arctic air will keep the region in a deep freeze well into next week.
Five-Day Regional Outlook:
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 29°F. Evening wintry mix possible.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny but cold, high near 17°F.
- Thursday: Sunny, high 22°F; wind chills below zero early.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 31°F.
- Saturday: Slight chance of snow, high near 23°F.
