Strange Extreme Temperature Swing in Sioux Falls

The talk of the town on Monday was the unseasonably warm temperatures in Sioux Falls. Motorcycles were cruising, dogs were taking their owners on long walks, and people were working in garages and clean-up work for spring.

Then, the conversations moved to, "Yeah, it's great...but did you see what Tuesday looks like?"

Well, Tuesday is here and we've got a major decline in temperature. From 5PM Monday to 5PM Tuesday, the temperature drops by nearly 55 degrees! That's a big swing, even by moody Mother Nature's standards.

While we're in awe of the steep decline in temperature, it's still not as impressive as the extreme temperature swing in Spearfish, South Dakota on January 22, 1943. In the morning hour it was -4 degrees. Them, two minutes later it was 45 degrees! Here's what the National Weather Service said about that day:

"On January 22, 1943, in Spearfish, South Dakota, the temperature rose from -4 at 7:32 a.m. to 45 degrees–a rise of 49 degrees—in just two minutes. A couple of hours later, it plunged from 54 back to -4 degrees–a change of 58 degrees in 27 minutes. In downtown Rapid City, the temperature had warmed to +5 degrees by 9:20 a.m., then it quickly warmed to 54 degrees by 9:40 am—a difference of 49 degrees in 20 minutes....The change in temperature was noticeable as people rounded street corners. Motorists were unable to see out their windshields when thick frost forms as they encountered the front and plate glass windows cracked." ~ National Weather Service

Yikes!

The good news for Sioux Falls this week is that the cold wind will not have much staying power. We're expected to back in the 60s by Friday and a few area golf courses are planning to open.

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Even though snow is blanketing the Sioux Empire, some snowstorms still do not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlighted ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the road during the winter. South Dakotans are well aware of the fact that the state’s winters can be harsh which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: KXRB

Seven Mind-Blowing Wonders' of South Dakota

I think most of us have at least heard of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World." We might not be able to rattle them off as easily as McDonald's value menu items, but chances are you've heard of at least some of them, right?

There's the Great Wall of China. Chichén Itzá, a Mayan City on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The ancient city of Petra, in Jordan. Machu Picchu in Peru. Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro. The Colosseum in Rome, and finally, the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Every state in the nation is known for having a series of natural wonders and signature landmarks. So, I thought I would come up with my own list of the "Seven Wonders of South Dakota."

The following is what I consider to be the signature landmarks, monuments, and natural wonders that are synonymous with the great state of South Dakota. I tried to give both sides of the state a little love while comprising this list.

You might have a few additions...

Let's get started. The Seven Wonders of South Dakota:

Get our free mobile app

Categories: Articles

Sioux Falls Weather Rollercoaster: Warmth To Frost In 24 Hours

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Seven Mind-Blowing Wonders' of South Dakota