Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Brutally cold air is locked in across eastern South Dakota this morning, with life-threatening wind chills dropping as low as 45 degrees below zero and creating dangerous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect for much of eastern South Dakota through mid to late morning, while parts of southwest Minnesota and east-central South Dakota remain under cold weather advisories into midday. Wind chills early today are expected to range from 30 below to 45 below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
The most dangerous conditions are centered across the I-29 corridor, including Sioux Falls, Brookings, Madison, and Watertown. Even brief exposure without proper protection can lead to cold-related injuries. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, and cover exposed skin if travel is unavoidable. Vehicles should be winterized, and emergency kits are strongly recommended.
Temperatures are expected to slowly moderate this afternoon, allowing wind chills to climb above 25 below zero. However, dangerously cold conditions will persist into tonight for portions of southwest Minnesota and east-central South Dakota, where subzero wind chills may continue through midnight.
Officials stress that confidence in the extreme cold forecast is high, and additional cold-related advisories could be extended if conditions linger longer than expected. Residents should continue monitoring local alerts and check on vulnerable neighbors until temperatures recover.
