Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Canadian wildfire smoke is drifting across South Dakota and northwest Iowa, bringing hazy skies and wind gusts up to 40 mph through Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, the heaviest concentrations of smoke will stay elevated, but sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor activity. Visibility may drop slightly at times, and local air quality could dip below safe levels — especially east of I-29.
Winds will remain strong Thursday night with gusts reaching 35–40 mph before calming by early Friday. Spotty thunderstorms may develop east of the James River Valley this evening, but severe weather is not expected. Isolated downpours and brief gusts over 45 mph are possible.
Rain chances fade Friday, giving way to dry and cooler conditions heading into the weekend — just in time for Friday night football. Northwest winds and sunny skies return Friday afternoon, with daytime highs in the lower 60s.
Heading into Saturday and Sunday, expect classic early September fall weather: crisp mornings and bright, breezy afternoons. However, those planning to be outdoors should still stay alert for smoke impacts depending on shifting winds.
No hazardous weather is forecast beyond Friday morning, but updates may be issued if fire smoke or winds intensify again.
