South Dakota greets the first full week of winter with crisp air, pale sunshine, and frozen ground crunching underfoot. It feels quiet now, but subtle changes later this week could matter for anyone planning Christmas travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, no hazardous weather is expected today or tonight, though breezy conditions and dry ground may elevate fire danger in snow-free areas. Forecasters are also watching signals for light winter precipitation developing later this week, especially as colder air settles back in.
In Sioux Falls, Monday stays mostly sunny with highs near 48 degrees. South winds gust over 20 mph at times, adding a brisk edge. Tonight cools into the lower 30s, allowing frost to form on untreated surfaces by Tuesday morning. Drivers should watch for slick patches on bridges during early commutes.
Tuesday remains seasonably cold, with highs near 39 degrees under filtered sun. Clouds thicken Tuesday night as temperatures dip below freezing again. By Wednesday, Christmas Eve approaches with more clouds and highs rebounding into the upper 40s. While no snow is expected during the day, meteorologists note an early winter signal building toward the weekend.
That signal matters for holiday returns. Light snow remains uncertain in timing and location, but even minor accumulations could create travel slowdowns later this week. Residents should use this quieter window to prep vehicles, top off windshield fluid, and monitor updates.
Christmas Day trends mostly cloudy but mild for late December, with highs near 51 degrees. Cooler air returns Thursday night, bringing another freeze risk and renewed concern for slick roads after sunset.
Winter may feel restrained for now, but patterns are shifting. Traveling later this week? Tell us what conditions you’re seeing across the region.
Five-Day Outlook for Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Monday: Mostly sunny, breezy; high near 48°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny; high near 39°F
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy; high near 47°F
- Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy; high near 51°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny and cooler; high near 40°F
