Sioux Falls, SD – Arctic air has plunged South Dakota into dangerously cold conditions, with wind chills as low as -40°F persisting through Tuesday. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors as frostbite can occur in under 10 minutes on exposed skin.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), wind chills are expected to remain between -20°F and -35°F across the region through Monday night. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect until noon Sunday, followed by another advisory lasting from 3 a.m. Monday until noon Tuesday. This affects portions of northeast Nebraska, southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and central South Dakota, including Interstate 90 and the Missouri River Valley.
Temperatures today will reach a high near 6°F with wind chills around -30°F. Overnight, lows will drop to -9°F, with values feeling closer to -21°F. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will bring a high near 2°F, with gusts making it feel like -28°F at times.
Frostbite and hypothermia are primary concerns. NWS advises wearing multiple layers of clothing, covering exposed skin, and ensuring pets have adequate shelter. Travel conditions remain fair, but drivers should prepare for delays in case of vehicle malfunctions in the extreme cold.
By midweek, South Dakota will see slight relief as temperatures climb into the low 30s on Wednesday. A chance of light snow returns Wednesday night into Thursday, though no major accumulations are expected.
Stay updated through the National Weather Service or local authorities for changes to advisories and tips to stay safe in these frigid conditions.
