South Dakota wakes up locked in deep winter, with bitter air stinging faces and crunching underfoot. Wind slides across open fields, pushing already brutal temperatures into dangerous territory as the morning unfolds.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Central Time. Wind chills as low as 28 to 30 degrees below zero are impacting Sioux Falls and much of eastern South Dakota. Actual temperatures dropped near 12 below zero early, and even light winds worsen exposure risks quickly.
Residents heading out this morning should limit time outside and cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions. Drivers should plan extra time, as cold-stressed vehicles, stiff tires, and refreezing patches can complicate travel on city streets and highways.
Relief arrives gradually later today. Sunshine helps, but highs only reach the mid-teens. Winds turn southerly by afternoon, signaling the start of a slow warmup. Tonight remains cold, though temperatures rise toward the lower teens instead of plunging again.
By Monday, December Weather moderates noticeably. Highs climb into the mid-30s with calmer conditions. Tuesday continues the trend, reaching near 40 degrees. That warm-up creates an early Winter Tease. Melting snow during the day can refreeze at night, leading to black ice on untreated roads and sidewalks.
Midweek stays relatively mild, with highs around 40 through Wednesday. A slight chance of rain develops late Wednesday night, followed by breezy conditions and colder air returning Thursday. Lows dip back into the single digits by Thursday night, reinforcing the winter pattern as Christmas travel ramps up.
5-Day Outlook for Sioux Falls, SD
• Today: Mostly sunny. High near 15°.
• Monday: Mostly sunny. High near 34°.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny. High near 40°.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 40°.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, colder. High near 32°.
