SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The pre-dawn air feels sharp this morning, the kind that bites at fingertips and curls fog around streetlights. Across eastern South Dakota and northwest Iowa, lawns glitter under a white crust of frost — a clear sign the first hard freeze of the season has arrived.
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls warns that subfreezing temperatures and widespread frost will continue through early Thursday morning, affecting most of southeast South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and northeast Nebraska. Lows will drop into the upper 20s to near 30 degrees again tonight, with frost likely before sunrise Thursday.
Residents should protect any lingering garden plants, outdoor plumbing, and sensitive crops before temperatures climb again. For drivers, icy windshields and slick bridges could slow the morning commute. To be fair, the chill won’t last long — the region will rebound quickly under sunny skies by Friday.
Daytime highs climb from the upper 50s today to the low 60s Friday, then surge into the upper 70s to near 80 by Sunday. Winds will stay light through Friday before turning breezy from the south over the weekend. Despite the warmup, clear nights will still bring cool mornings and patchy valley frost.
Looking ahead, clouds and scattered showers may return by early next week, hinting at another pattern change as October closes.
After all, it’s that late-fall balance familiar to the Plains — a crisp wake-up call followed by one last warm weekend before November’s steady chill sets in.
Five-Day Forecast for Sioux Falls, SD:
Wed: 57/33 – Frost early; sunny, calm winds.
Thu: 59/35 – Frost early; sunny and pleasant.
Fri: 63/43 – Mostly clear; breezy south wind.
Sat: 83/50 – Mostly sunny; warm, breezy afternoon.
Sun: 84/50 – Mostly clear; late-fall warmth continues.
