South Dakota greets the morning with cold air biting at exposed skin and clouds racing overhead. Fields sit quiet now, but change is already building. Wind strengthens by the hour, and winter hazards line up fast.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, a High Wind Warning is in effect Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Northwest winds increase sharply, with sustained speeds near 30 to 40 mph and gusts reaching 55 to 60 mph. Isolated gusts near 70 mph are possible in open areas.
These winds arrive behind a strong cold front. Scattered snow showers develop Thursday morning, mainly across eastern South Dakota and northwest Iowa. Snow amounts stay light, but visibility may drop quickly during bursts. Blowing snow could briefly create near-whiteout conditions, especially on rural highways.
Travel impacts are a key concern. High-profile vehicles may struggle on I-29 and I-90, where crosswinds peak during the late morning and afternoon. Loose objects may blow around. Power outages remain possible.
Temperatures fall hard as colder air pours in. Readings drop into the teens by Thursday night. Any moisture left on roads may refreeze, increasing the risk of black ice during early drives. This flash-freeze setup often catches drivers off guard.
By Friday, December 19, skies clear and winds ease. Highs recover into the low 30s. For now, conditions stabilize locally. Still, meteorologists are tracking a broader winter pattern across the Midwest. Models hint at heavier snow potential to the east and north, which could influence Christmas travel plans.
Action steps now: Secure outdoor items today. Avoid unnecessary travel during peak winds. Slow down if snow squalls reduce visibility. Keep winter safety kits in vehicles.
Five-Day Outlook for Sioux Falls, SD
- Today: Partly sunny, breezy, high near 46
- Thursday: Windy, scattered snow showers, high near 31
- Friday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 32
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 32
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, cold morning, high near 31
