South Dakota — A pale winter sun reflects off damp pavement this morning as mild December air settles across eastern South Dakota. Coats stay unzipped for now, but the calm feel may not last as the region heads toward post-Christmas travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, temperatures climb into the lower 40s today under mostly sunny skies. Winds remain light early, then shift from the southeast later. Roads stay dry, though melting snow in shaded areas could linger.
Clouds thicken into Wednesday as highs rise into the mid-40s. That warmth continues through Christmas Day, with Sioux Falls reaching the low 40s again. Gusts near 20 mph develop at times, pushing mild air across Minnehaha and Lincoln counties.
To be fair, this stretch feels more like late fall than early winter. Still, the setup matters. Nighttime temperatures hover near freezing later in the week. That creates a window for refreezing once the sun drops, especially on bridges and lesser-traveled roads.
By Thursday night and Friday, skies turn partly cloudy with highs holding in the low 40s. Lows dip into the low 30s. No significant snow signal appears yet, but meteorologists caution that any moisture could turn slick quickly after dark.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook notes breezy conditions developing by the weekend. Winds increase Saturday and Sunday, and colder air arrives. Snow chances remain low, but open roads may see drifting and reduced visibility at times.
Drivers planning Christmas travel Friday should plan extra time and watch for patchy black ice early and late in the day. Wet pavement that looks harmless can turn glassy fast this time of year.
Five-Day Outlook for Sioux Falls, SD
- Today: Mostly sunny, high near 41
- Wednesday: Cloudy, high near 46
- Christmas Day: Cloudy and mild, high near 43
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 43
- Saturday: Partly sunny, cooler later, high near 42
