Weather
Eastern South Dakota Weather Oct. 10: Fire Risk High
Sioux Falls, SD – Elevated fire danger is expected across much of eastern South Dakota Saturday, Oct. 10, as near record temperatures, low humidity and gusty south winds combine to create conditions f
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-09T12:23:51.800Z
Sioux Falls, SD – Elevated fire danger is expected across much of eastern South Dakota Saturday, Oct. 10, as near record temperatures, low humidity and gusty south winds combine to create conditions favorable for fires to spread.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, the combination of unusually warm temperatures, dry air and strong winds will increase grassland fire concerns Saturday afternoon. Residents are urged to limit activities that could create sparks.
The agency's Grassland Fire Danger Index places much of eastern South Dakota in the high fire danger category, including areas around Sioux Falls, Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, Madison and Yankton.
Farther east, portions of northwestern Iowa and southwestern Minnesota are forecast to experience moderate fire danger, including areas around Sioux City, Spencer, Storm Lake and Worthington.
Wind gusts could approach 40 mph in parts of the region Saturday. The Weather Service forecast shows gusts reaching approximately 37 mph around Sioux Falls, with similar conditions expected in several surrounding communities.
Relative humidity could fall into the 20% to 30% range during the afternoon in parts of eastern South Dakota, increasing the potential for fires to spread if ignited.
Communities around Huron, Chamberlain and Mitchell are also expected to experience gusty winds and low afternoon humidity.
The National Weather Service emphasized that near record warmth will contribute to the elevated fire danger, although the outlook does not establish that record temperatures will be broken.