Sioux Falls Braces for Arctic Cold: Here’s What You Need to Know

It's January in South Dakota, and that means it's gonna get cold. It may be shorts and sandals weather today, but you can count on the cold returning.

That's what's happening this weekend. Frigid cold air will be descending on Sioux Falls and most of the middle of the country this weekend. Our old friend Polar Vortex is planning on ruining our weekend.

Sioux Falls can expect one more day around 40 degrees on Friday (1/17/25) before temps start to fall as the sun goes down. Then Saturday it'll warm just to the single digits. That cold air will keep us frozen well into next week.

MORE: True or False: Low Gas Levels and Freezing Cold Weather Can Cost You

"As arctic air funnels into the the region over the weekend, the combination of colder temperatures and breezy winds will lead to even colder wind chills with values expected to be between -25 to -35 degrees. With this in mind, make sure to dress in layers and to limit prolonged outdoor activities where possible!" - National Weather Service

Get our free mobile app

The National Weather Service says that arctic air will come into the region from Canada Friday night into Saturday. The colds will be even less fun when the winds pick up this weekend, bringing some dangerous wind-chills.

It could be a dangerous weekend for people who work outside and for pets. Might be a good idea to get ready now. Plan on protecting yourself if you have to be in the elements. Make sure your pets have a warm place to keep out of the cold.

READ: Did Your Pipes Freeze? Here's What to Do Next

Temperatures are expected to only reach about 12 on Saturday. Then dropping below zero Saturday night.

The Sioux Empire will only warm up to about three degrees on Sunday, and will probably stay below zero all day Monday.

By Wednesday next week, we should warm back up the the 20s. Perfect South Dakota shorts weather.