Winter Weather Preparedness Day 2024
Published 2024-10-23
October 23 is Winter Weather Preparedness Day Across South Dakota! Now is the time to start thinking about how you will prepare for the upcoming winter weather.
Lake effect snow will continue into the weekend as two more quick moving systems will bring widespread snow to the Upper Great Lakes. High winds are expected across portions of Montana through the weekend. Below normal temperatures will remain in place across much of the southern and eastern U.S., while the western U.S. will experience above normal temperatures. Read More >
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October 23 is Winter Weather Preparedness Day Across South Dakota! Now is the time to start thinking about how you will prepare for the upcoming winter weather.
October 23rd is Winter Weather Preparedness Day in South Dakota!
The U.S. Winter Outlook has been issued for December through February. It calls for a leaning to below normal temperatures across much of South Dakota and western Minnesota.
South Dakota & Minnesota Severe Weather Preparedness Week, April 8-12
2024 Flood Outlook, 90 Day Outlook Valid through mid June
This year, El Nino is in place heading into winter for the first time in four years, driving the outlook for warmer-than-average temperatures for the northern tier of the continental United States.
FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Oct. 4; Test Messages Will be Sent to All TVs, Radios and Cell Phones
Due to a planned power outage, current weather observations may not be available from the weather equipment at the Aberdeen Regional Airport until early this afternoon. Other observations across the area can be found at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?obs=true&wfo=abr
Having a problem using our Radar page? We have a quick and easy work around...
Significant Hail in Pierre and More 7/18/23
May 2023: Below Normal Precipitation, Above Normal Temperatures
Real-time River Forecasts and Flood Information
As the old adage goes “If you don’t like the weather in South Dakota, wait 5 minutes.†Nobody knows this more than our South Dakota farmers and ranchers. They will be the first to tell you that there is significant variability in weather at any one location throughout the year. And we aren’t talking west river versus east river, it can be on a very small scale from neighbor to neighbor!
Take a look back at 2022 with this Weather In Review. It includes climate tidbits at select locations and a list of the top 10 weather events of the year across central to northeast South Dakota and west central Minnesota.
December 18-24th, 2022 Arctic Blast and Ground Blizzard
December 12-16th, 2022 Long Duration Winter Storm, Blizzard
A Winter Storm will impact much of the region Monday through early Thursday. We have a few additional resources for you to help make the more informed decisions based on the current and forecasted weather.
Get ready for winter weather hazards by visiting our Winter Safety website!
The weather observation at the Aberdeen regional airport is not available due to a power outage.
The Hanson Family Honored for Outstanding Service as Volunteer Cooperative Observer
Aberdeen WSR88D-Radar Outage - Scheduled Maintenance
The Pierre Airport weather observation is currently unavailable. In the meantime, please check out surrounding weather observations at (NWS Weather and Hazards page) https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?obs=true&wfo=abr or (Mesowest) https://mesowest.utah.edu/cgi-bin/droman/mesomap.cgi?state=SD&rawsflag=3
Warmer and Drier Than Normal September 2022
We appreciate the work of all our Weather Ready Nation Ambassadors and would like to highlight Dakota Broadcasting as our 2022 WRN Ambassador of Excellence!
Have multiple ways to get ways to get Warnings! FEMA Weather Emergency Alert are temporarily unavailable (as of Friday morning). These are alerts that are sent to your cell phones when the National Weather Service issues Tornadoes, or Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for storms with winds over 80 mph and baseball sized hail or larger.
NWS Aberdeen is currently unable to post, or reply to any messages or comments on Facebook. Please view our Twitter account or check out our webpage for updated weather information.
June 1st marks the first day of meteorological summer! Check out our latest weather safety graphics and more
Review of Severe Weather on May 30th, 2022
A derecho moved through the Northern Plains during the late afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday, May 12th, including e SD and w central MN. It produced straight-line winds of between at 60 to over 100 mph. Several tornadoes were reported and confirmed. Some of the worst damage occurred in Castlewood, when an EF2 tornado with wind speeds up to 120 mph passed through town.
Seeking New Roscoe Area COOP Weather Observer
Minnesota Statewide Tornado Drill April 7 at 1:45 pm and 6:45 pm CDT
The current weather conditions are unavailable out of the Aberdeen Regional Airport. During this outage, please check out the Weather & Hazards Data Viewer, as it gives plenty of nearby sites to look at... https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?obs=true&wfo=abr
Feb 2022 and Winter 2021-2022 in Review
March 1st is the 1st Day of Meteorological Spring - Get Ready for Spring Weather Hazards!
February 20-22nd, 2022 Banded Snow and Blizzard
For the rivers and streams in northeastern SD, portions of central SD, and portions of west central MN.
Recap of Dec 2021 and 2021 on the Whole
Top 5 Weather and Climate Events of 2021
Strong winds of 45 to 60 mph will accompany a quick-moving low-pressure system. Rain Wednesday afternoon should quickly switch over to snow from west to east across the area. Uncertainty remains in snowfall totals due to exact low strength and track discrepancies, but Trace-2†is most likely. While initially above freezing, temperatures drop quickly during the afternoon and evening.
Nov 15-19th is Minnesota's Winter Weather Awareness Week
Strong to breezy winds, out of the northwest with gusts of 40 to around 55 mph, will slowly diminish today. Light snow will continue over far northeastern SD and west central MN, and particularly over the Prairie Coteau. Where snow falls, winds will lead to significant reductions in visibility. Blizzard conditions will remain possible this morning over far northeastern SD and west central MN.
Meteorological Fall Begins - Be Prepared for Weather Hazards This Season!
Severe thunderstorms can be life-threatening, but not all severe storms are the same. Hazardous conditions range from tornadoes, large hail storms, and widespread straight-line winds called derechoes, to cloud-to-ground lightning and flash flooding. The National Weather Service will better convey the severity and potential impacts from thunderstorm winds and hail by adding a “da
June 20-26 is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week
NWS is now collecting public comment on options for the plain language that will replace the Advisory and SPS headlines. The survey is available at the following link and will remain open through July 31, 2021.
The Pierre NOAA Weather Radio, transmitter WXM26 162.400, is currently down.
Please help us spread the word. We're looking for a new Cooperative Observer in the Watertown area.
April 12-16th is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota
Nearly one-half of the country — stretching from the Pacific Coast to the Great Plains and upper Midwest — is currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions.
Wet snow will be heavy at times, especially over south central South Dakota into the early morning hours Monday, and across areas near and south of Watertown overnight into through mid morning.
Beginning March 8, the KABR WSR-88D operated by NOAA’s National Weather Service in Aberdeen, SD was down for approximately two weeks for an important upgrade. Technicians will refurbish and replace the pedestal, one of the most critical components of the radar, which is necessary for antenna rotation and positioning to capture data in all directions. It returned to service on March 18th.
2021 Spring Flood Outlook - Updated March 11
A summary of the January 14-15, 2021 Blizzard and High Wind Event has been posted.
The Weather Observation at the Pierre Regional Airport (KPIR) is not being sent to our webpages. The FAA is aware of the issue, but at this time, we do not know when it will be fixed. We apologize for any inconvenience.
NWS Aberdeen, SD's Top 5 Events of 2020
Climate Summaries for December 2020, and full year 2020
A national weather.gov webpage issue is resulting in old images and headlines staying on our page. We apologize for this disruption in service. Alternatives here...
NWS has upgraded the Radar Integrated Display with Geospatial Elements (RIDGE) at radar.weather.gov to improve the user experience. The new version uses mobile friendly technology and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) compliant layers provided by IDPGIS web services. Along with radar products, the map displays alerts and forecast information.
Provide Your Feedback on the Discontinuation of Separate Statement Products for Short-Fused Warnings
The over 20 year old, paper-copy, National Weather Service's guide to help pilots find weather forecast resources has been refreshed and made available as an online info source. Follow the link for more information, and see if there are additional forecast tools out there to help you plan your flight! www.weather.gov/media/aviation/A%20Pilots%20Guide%20to%20Aviation%20Weather%20Services.pdf
Provide Your Feedback on NWS Frost/Freeze Products
Wednesday, October 28th is Winter Weather Awareness Day in the State of South Dakota! Are you ready for sub-zero wind chills, heavy snow and blowing/drifting snow? Take some time this week to review your winter travel safety plan and replenish your Winter Preparedness kit of supplies for this upcoming winter!
Three unseasonably early season winter storms impacted the region. Record cold gripped the region as well
One or two clusters of strong to severe storms are expected to track across much of central and northeastern South Dakota and west central Minnesota this evening and tonight. Damaging straight-line winds in excess of 80 mph are the main threat, but large hail and isolated tornadoes are also possible.
Severe storms are possible late this afternoon through tonight. Western and central SD will have the best potential of seeing large hail (> 2â€) and damaging winds (> 70 mph) late this afternoon into this evening. An isolated tornado will be possible.
Web page detailing changes to WFO Aberdeen's Fire Weather Zones in the Fall of 2020.
Heat index values of 100 to 110 degrees are expected this afternoon and evening. Additionally, strong to severe storms are possible from late this afternoon into the night (large hail, damaging winds and torrential rainfall are the main threats).
Text-only preliminary event summary LSR with map via NWSChat
A volatile environment today may translate into severe thunderstorms this late afternoon through tonight. Heavy rain, large hail and a tornado or two may result, but the most concerning threat is significant straight line wind. Generally speaking, the further north you are the better your odds for these storms. Find more information at this link.
Expect a cold front to be the main focus for thunderstorm development initially this afternoon, although an expanded area of thunderstorms is possible later in the evening. Some storms may be severe with strong winds in excess of 70 mph and hail the size of golf balls or larger possible. Heavy rain is also a threat.
Severe thunderstorms moved across mainly central South Dakota June 6th and 7th, 2020. The first wave was a derecho, that moved northeast out of Colorado and Wyoming and through western and central South Dakota during the evening of June 6th with winds gusting 60 to 80 mph. The next wave of storms produced 1-1.5" hail, wind gusts of 60-80+ mph, and 3 tornadoes.
Appleton NOAA Weather Radio will be undergoing maintenance this morning.
Severe storms are expected to develop this late afternoon and early evening, and may last through about midnight. Large hail, dangerous wind gusts and a tornado or two are possible with this activity. More at this EM Briefing Page.
Get Ready For Summer Weather Hazards By Visiting Our Summer Safety Website!
Expect accumulating mainly snow across central and north central South Dakota, mainly ice across northeastern South Dakota and west central Minnesota, with a wintry mix in between. This will result in potentially hazardous travel into Friday morning. Follow this link for more information.
This spring flood outlook is for the rivers and streams in northeast South Dakota, portions of central South Dakota, and portions of west Central Minnesota.
Summary of Feb 8-9 Heavy Snow and Feb 12 Blizzard
A front will pass through the region, resulting in light snow and strong winds. This will create blizzard and ground blizzard conditions. Arctic cold that follows will generate dangerous windchills.
Well above normal rain and snowfall throughout 2019 has led to record flooding, record high river levels, and abnormally wet ground for the winter season across the region. Through the end of December 2019, the Upper Mississippi River Basin and Red River Basin have had their wettest year in 125 years of modern record keeping. Across the region, Michigan, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wisconsin and Illin
Strong winds with blowing snow, falling snow/wintry mix, and/or blizzard conditions will be possible across at least portions of the area through the day on Saturday. Click here for the latest information to assist decision-making.
A significant winter storm continues across the region. New snow amounts tonight into Monday will be on the order of 1 to less than 5 inches, highest near the Missouri River and far eastern SD and west central MN. Strong northerly winds will only slowly diminish during the day Monday.
Nov 29-Dec 1, 2019 Post-Thanksgiving Winter Storm
Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota
Severe weather, namely large hail and possibly damaging winds, is possible tonight into early Monday morning. North central South Dakota is most at risk, but portions of central and northeastern South Dakota could see severe storm activity as well.
Kennebec Sets Yearly Precipitation Record
Preliminary NWS Damage Survey For 09/09/19 Tornado Event
Showers and stronger storms will develop across central SD this evening and track to eastern SD late this evening and overnight. Scattered to numerous storms could become severe, with an enhanced risk of severe weather across much of south central SD. Another round of strong to potentially severe storms will be possible late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night.
August 2nd, 2019 Heavy Rain and Flooding
A low pressure system that developed in eastern Colorado during the afternoon of April 9th, 2019, produced heavy snowfall across the region on April 10-11th as it moved through the Central and Northern Plains.
A significant, moisture-rich system will continue to bring heavy wet snow, and strong winds to the area through tonight. Snowfall today could be mixed with a little bit of freezing rain or sleet, accompanied by some rumbles of thunder over eastern South Dakota. Hazardous travel conditions are expected.
First day of meteorological spring is March 1st
Northwest winds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts of 50 mph will result in hazardous travel conditions in open areas today. Travelers can expect to encounter blowing and drifting snow, along with low visibility, which could drop below a quarter mile at times.
February 6th Banded Snow and 7th Blizzard 2019 Summary
Jan 27-28 Blizzard and Jan 30-31 Extreme Cold 2019 Summary
A quick moving system will bring snow to mainly western, central and southeast South Dakota Friday along with difficult travel conditions. This will be followed by an Arctic Blast for the weekend.
A mix of freezing drizzle - freezing rain - sleet and snow is possible late Sunday into early Monday making for potentially treacherous driving conditions from the Sisseton hills into western Minnesota
A mild winter could be in store for much of the United States this winter according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. In the U.S. Winter Outlook for December through February, above-average temperatures are most likely across the northern and western U.S., Alaska and Hawaii.
The NOAA Weather Radio in Bath, SD will be temporarily off the air into early this afternoon. The outage is expected to last about 1 hour.
Get ready for Fall weather hazards by visiting our Fall Safety website!
Large hail and damaging winds will be the main potential threats associated with thunderstorms as they develop this late afternoon/evening across portions of northeastern SD and west central MN. Keep an eye to the sky and have a plan to act in case storm approach your area.
Severe weather may be possible late tonight into Saturday morning. The best chance of strong to severe storms would be this evening west of the Missouri River, and then late this evening into the overnight hours across southern and eastern South Dakota. The main threat with any storms that develop will be strong winds and large hail.
While drought has ceased across western South Dakota, there's little change in the latest Drought Monitor east of the Missouri River - Severe Drought persists across portions of the James River Valley.
Severe thunderstorms will be possible late this afternoon through tonight across parts of the region. The primary threats will be large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. Low risk for tornadoes in far northeast South Dakota into western Minnesota.
Severe weather with large hail, damaging winds and a tornado or two will be possible this evening west of the Missouri River. As the night progresses, a line of severe storms may develop and push east of the Missouri River. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat with this activity until the morning hours on Monday. The severe threat diminishes across far Eastern South Dakota Monday morning
Severe weather with large hail, damaging winds and a tornado or two will be possible this evening west of the Missouri River. As the night progresses, a line of severe storms may develop and push east of the Missouri River. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat with this activity until the morning hours on Monday. The severe threat diminishes across far Eastern South Dakota Monday morning
On May 17th, 2018 storms initially formed along a boundary across parts of north central South Dakota. The slow moving storms trained along this boundary and produced significant flooding, large hail and gusty winds. Anywhere from 4 to 9 inches
April 2018 Review: Record/Near Record Cold and Snow
Another spring storm system will bring snow to the region, with generally a few inches of accumulation for the Wednesday morning commute
Blizzard conditions are expected to continue across portions of eastern South Dakota and west central Minnesota today, until the storm system departs by this early evening. Latest information here.
Light to moderate snow will expand across the region through tonight before gradually ending on Tuesday. A general 2-6 inches of total snowfall is expected with this event. Breezy northerly winds will develop overnight, with gusts up to 35 mph. This will create areas of blowing and drifting snow as well.
Precipitation from the storm system is winding down but in this storms wake the snow and freezing drizzle has resulted in icy roads and sidewalks. Additionally, another weak system will zip across the area Sunday with more wintry weather expected
Up to 8" of snow as well as accumulating freezing rain is expected across parts of southern South Dakota today. Very hazardous travel will continue throughout the day. Details here
A powerful storm system impacted central and eastern South Dakota as well as western Minnesota from Sunday March 4th through Tuesday March 6th. This system brought a wide range of precipitation types, including rain, hail, sleet, ice pellets and snow!
February 2018 and Winter 2017-2018 Review
Accumulating snow will spread across the eastern half of South Dakota into Minnesota throughout the day today. Wind will not be a major factor with this system, however roads are expected to become slick particularly by this afternoon and evening. Snow moves out by midnight.
A total of up to 6-8" of snow could accumulate across parts of Stanley, Hughes, Sully, Hyde, Hand and Buffalo counties by Friday morning.
Accumulating snowfall is expected throughout Thursday. Click for our probabilistic snowfall forecast page.
January 2018 Summary: Below Average Snowfall Continues
This StoryMap will guide you through events, personal stories and the significance of the blizzard that ravaged the northern plains January 12, 1888
A light drizzle or freezing drizzle may precede snowfall this afternoon. Snow accumulations will range from 2 to 4 inches across much of the region, and winds are expected to increase to the 30 to 40 mph range resulting in blowing and drifting snow.
December and Yearly Climate Summaries
Daytime highs will remain below zero and nighttime lows may approach 30 degrees below zero. Wind chills could approach 50 degrees below zero during the overnight/morning hours in some cases. Hypothermia is a concern, and frostbite could occur in minutes.
A low pressure system is set to strengthen as it travels over the northern plains Tuesday night, and could result in areas of severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds by early Tuesday evening and on through the overnight hou