Weather
South Dakota Weather Alert: 50 MPH Gusts, Sioux Falls Near 33° Oct 17
Sioux Falls, SD – Strong northwest winds, falling temperatures and a growing frost threat are setting up a significant weather transition across eastern South Dakota heading into the weekend. Wind gus
By Erin Vale · 2026-10-15T09:22:42.083Z
Sioux Falls, SD – Strong northwest winds, falling temperatures and a growing frost threat are setting up a significant weather transition across eastern South Dakota heading into the weekend. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph in portions of south central South Dakota, while Sioux Falls faces gusts near 40 mph before temperatures plunge toward 33 degrees early Saturday, Oct. 17. The changing conditions could affect highway travel, outdoor activities and sensitive vegetation as some of the coldest air of the fall season moves across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, its Hazardous Weather Outlook issued Wednesday evening identifies strong winds Thursday into Friday and increasing confidence in widespread frost Friday night into Saturday morning. The frost threat is currently favored along and east of the Interstate 29 corridor, including communities across eastern South Dakota. The outlook also covers portions of northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota and northeast Nebraska, although conditions and frost coverage will vary across those areas.
Strong Winds Follow Thursday Rain Rain will continue across Sioux Falls Thursday, with showers likely before 2 p.m. and a 70% precipitation chance. Temperatures should reach approximately 57 degrees as northwest winds increase to 15 to 20 mph during the afternoon. Gusts could reach 30 mph, bringing a noticeable change following the area's unsettled morning weather.
The broader regional outlook identifies stronger northwest wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph Thursday afternoon into Friday morning. Gusts approaching 50 mph are possible in south central South Dakota and along the Buffalo Ridge. These stronger regional winds are not necessarily expected in Sioux Falls, where the local forecast calls for gusts reaching approximately 40 mph Thursday night and Friday.
Saturday Frost Threat Becomes the Main Concern By Friday, Oct. 16, Sioux Falls should see gradual clearing after morning clouds, with an afternoon high near 53 degrees. North northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph will decrease to 15 to 20 mph later in the day, although gusts could still reach 40 mph. The combination of colder air and clearing skies will set the stage for a considerably colder night.
Temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 33 degrees early Saturday morning, with widespread frost developing mainly after 1 a.m. The National Weather Service indicates increasing confidence in widespread frost along and east of Interstate 29, making this one of the most important weather developments in the regional outlook.
Residents with gardens, flowers and other cold sensitive plants should consider taking protective measures before Friday night. Moving container plants indoors or covering vulnerable vegetation may help limit damage. Although Sioux Falls' projected low remains slightly above freezing, frost can form on exposed surfaces when temperatures near the ground become sufficiently cold.
Travel Impacts and Weekend Recovery Motorists traveling Interstate 29, Interstate 90 and exposed rural highways should prepare for strong crosswinds Thursday and Friday. Drivers of high profile vehicles may experience more difficult handling in stronger gusts, particularly across open stretches of highway. Rain could also leave pavement wet during Thursday's travel periods, although no specific road closures were identified in the supplied forecast.
Conditions improve Saturday afternoon as sunshine returns and temperatures climb to approximately 63 degrees. Southerly winds of 10 to 20 mph could still gust near 30 mph, but the colder early morning conditions will give way to a milder afternoon.
Sunday brings additional warming, with sunshine and a high near 68 degrees. Temperatures remain relatively mild into early next week, reaching approximately 68 Monday, 71 Tuesday and 72 Wednesday.
The immediate priority, however, remains Friday night's frost threat following the region's gusty weather. Residents should monitor updated local forecasts for changes in overnight temperatures and frost coverage.
Will you be protecting outdoor plants before Saturday morning's frost arrives?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Showers are likely before 2 p.m., with a 70% precipitation chance and a high near 57 degrees. Northwest winds increase during the afternoon, gusting to 30 mph, before temperatures fall to 40 degrees overnight.
Friday 10/16: Morning clouds gradually clear, with a high near 53 degrees and northwest wind gusts reaching 40 mph. Friday night turns clear and colder, with widespread frost possible after 1 a.m. and a low near 33 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Widespread frost is expected early in the morning, followed by sunshine and temperatures reaching approximately 63 degrees. South winds of 10 to 20 mph may gust to 30 mph, with overnight lows near 43 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies and warmer conditions return across Sioux Falls, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 68 degrees. Sunday night turns partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 44 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny skies continue as temperatures reach approximately 68 degrees, providing another mild afternoon after the weekend frost threat. Mostly clear conditions are expected Monday night, with temperatures dropping to around 46 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook: Oct. 20 21 Tuesday, Oct. 20, should bring sunny skies and an afternoon high near 71 degrees. Mostly clear conditions continue Tuesday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 53 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, is expected to remain mostly sunny, with a high near 72 degrees.