Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Wildfire smoke from Canada will continue to blanket eastern South Dakota through tonight, cutting visibility and creating potentially unhealthy air quality across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, smoke is drifting in from the north and will move east throughout the day, with peak surface smoke concentrations expected between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Visibility could drop to as little as 3 miles, especially on roadways, prompting travel caution. Sensitive groups, including individuals with asthma or heart conditions, are urged to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity until conditions improve.
Sioux Falls, Brookings, Mitchell, and Yankton may see the most pronounced effects late this afternoon. Health officials warn of increased risks for eye and throat irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Motorists are advised to use headlights and allow extra travel time in low-visibility zones.
Air quality is expected to improve after midnight as winds shift and smoke disperses. However, additional smoke plumes may return later this week, and updates will be posted at fire.airnow.gov.
🗓️ South Dakota 5-Day Weather Snapshot:
- Saturday: Hazy with wildfire smoke; highs in upper 70s
- Sunday: Sunny and breezy; highs near 80
- Monday: Clear skies; highs in low 80s
- Tuesday: Slight chance of storms late; highs mid-70s
- Wednesday: Partly cloudy; highs in the upper 60s
