Sioux Falls, South Dakota – A prolonged stretch of colder-than-normal weather is expected to settle across South Dakota from Friday through early the following week, bringing persistent freezing temperatures and limited opportunities for widespread snow across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the 8 to 14-day outlook for Jan. 30 through Feb. 5 places South Dakota within a strong signal for below-normal temperatures. Much of the state carries an 80 to 100 percent probability of colder-than-average conditions, especially across eastern and central areas, indicating high confidence that winter cold will remain firmly entrenched.
High temperatures across Sioux Falls, Brookings, Mitchell, Pierre, and Aberdeen are expected to run several degrees below seasonal averages. Overnight lows are likely to fall well below freezing on a regular basis, particularly across northern and western South Dakota, increasing the risk for icy conditions during late night and early morning hours. The cold air mass extends from the Great Lakes west through the Plains and south into parts of Texas and New Mexico, keeping much of the central United States locked in below-normal temperatures.
Despite the colder air, precipitation across South Dakota is expected to trend below normal during this period. The outlook favors drier-than-average conditions across much of the Plains and Upper Midwest, limiting the likelihood of frequent snow systems. While brief light snow, flurries, or passing weak disturbances remain possible, the overall pattern does not support repeated or significant snowfall events.
Near-normal precipitation is more likely across parts of the central Plains farther south, while above-normal precipitation chances remain focused mainly across Texas, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest.
South Dakota residents should prepare for an extended stretch of winter cold, monitor travel conditions for icy roads, and take steps to protect pipes, pets, and livestock during prolonged freezing temperatures. Additional outlook updates may follow as confidence in localized impacts continues to increase.
