Sioux Falls, SD – South Dakota is preparing for a colder and potentially snowy holiday stretch as NOAA’s Week 3–4 Outlook points to below-normal temperatures from December 20 through January 2. With Christmas and New Years included in this window, residents should anticipate a wintry setup that could affect travel statewide.
According to NOAA, a broad cold pattern will cover South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and northern Illinois, signaling a strong push of Arctic air across the northern Plains. Under this colder regime, nearly all precipitation that falls during this period is expected to come down as snow.
South Dakota is placed in an equal-chances precipitation zone, meaning totals may hover near normal. However, with temperatures trending well below average, even modest systems could produce light to moderate accumulations, especially around Christmas weekend and again as New Years approaches. Fast-moving Alberta clippers—common in this pattern—may bring quick bursts of powdery snow capable of reducing visibility and creating slick travel conditions.
Communities including Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Pierre, Watertown, and along I-90 and I-29 should be prepared for intermittent snow, gusty winds, and hazardous driving conditions through the Dec. 20–Jan. 2 period. Wind chills could drop sharply at times, posing additional safety concerns for holiday travelers.
If the expected pattern holds, South Dakota may be positioned for a white Christmas and a cold, snowy start to 2026.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as storm timing becomes clearer closer to the holiday window.
