Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Sweltering heat is expected to grip much of South Dakota through the weekend, with heat index values soaring up to 105°F in some areas by Friday afternoon, prompting extended advisories across more than two dozen counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls and Aberdeen, a Heat Advisory is in effect from noon Friday through Sunday evening for cities including Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, and Watertown. Central counties such as Stanley, Hughes, and Spink could also see heat index values topping 104°F between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. today.
The advisory covers nearly the entire eastern half of the state, with the longest duration impacting Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody counties, where the heat is expected to persist through 6 p.m. Sunday. Residents in Pierre, Aberdeen, and Mobridge are also under shorter-term advisories Friday afternoon into the evening.
The NWS warns that the combination of high humidity and soaring temperatures increases the risk for heat-related illnesses, especially for those without access to air conditioning or working outdoors. Limit strenuous activity, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives.
Interior vehicle temperatures can reach deadly levels within minutes — never leave children or pets unattended. More advisories may be issued Saturday or Sunday as extreme heat continues.
