Weather
Sioux Falls, SD Weather: Fire Risk Grows Through Midweek Oct. 18–22
Sioux Falls, SD – A stretch of unusually warm, dry and occasionally breezy weather could increase fire danger across southeastern South Dakota this week, as temperatures climb into the 70s by Wednesda
By Owen Prescott · 2026-10-18T08:46:19.651Z
Sioux Falls, SD – A stretch of unusually warm, dry and occasionally breezy weather could increase fire danger across southeastern South Dakota this week, as temperatures climb into the 70s by Wednesday and Thursday. Residents should be especially cautious with outdoor burning as grasses and harvested fields continue drying out.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, dry conditions and well above average temperatures are expected through midweek, with periodic breezes creating the potential for locally elevated fire danger.
The forecast, updated early Sunday, Oct. 18, shows several consecutive days of mild weather with little indication of meaningful rainfall.
How warm will South Dakota get this week?
Sunday afternoon highs are expected to range from 63 to 69 degrees, followed by slightly cooler conditions Monday, when temperatures reach 60 to 65.
The warmup resumes Tuesday, Oct. 20, with highs between 64 and 69 degrees.
By Wednesday, Oct. 21, temperatures could climb to 69 to 73 degrees before reaching 72 to 76 degrees Thursday, Oct. 22.
Overnight temperatures will also gradually moderate, rising from the upper 30s and lower 40s early in the week into the upper 40s and lower 50s by midweek.
Why is fire danger increasing?
The combination of dry vegetation, above average temperatures and occasional breezy conditions can allow outdoor fires to spread more easily.
Farmers, rural residents and anyone working around dry grasses should use additional caution with equipment, open flames and activities that could produce sparks.
The National Weather Service has not indicated widespread critical fire weather conditions in the supplied forecast, but localized concerns could develop.
Looking ahead: NOAA's Oct. 25 31 outlook continues to favor above normal temperatures across South Dakota, suggesting the broader warm pattern could extend toward Halloween.
For now, the primary concern is several days of dry weather and periodically gusty conditions that could increase local fire danger through midweek.