If you’ve lived in South Dakota for more than a week, you know the drill. You check the 14 day weather forecast sioux falls sd, see a nice 30-degree day, and then wake up to a wind chill that makes your eyelashes freeze together.
Honestly, Sioux Falls weather is a bit of a chaotic masterpiece. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and right now, the thermometer is sitting at a flat 0°F. But that's not the real story. With a northwest wind whipping through at 18 mph, it actually feels like -20°F. Welcome to the middle of January in the 605.
People always ask if the long-range forecasts are even worth looking at. They are, but you have to know how to read between the lines. It's not just about the numbers; it's about the patterns that determine whether you're wearing a light parka or three layers of wool and a prayer.
The Reality of the 14 Day Weather Forecast Sioux Falls SD
Planning your life two weeks out in Sioux Falls is a gamble. We’re looking at a stretch right now where the "high" temperatures are bouncing around like a pinball. Today, we might hit 13°F, but by Monday, the high struggles to reach 9°F.
Then, just when you think you’ve settled into the deep freeze, Tuesday tries to tease us with 20°F. It sounds warmer, sure, but it comes with a 25% chance of snow during the day, jumping to 35% at night. That’s the classic South Dakota trade-off: you get the "warmth," but you pay for it in slush.
The Next Seven Days at a Glance
If you’re trying to schedule a move or just a grocery run, here is what the immediate horizon looks like:
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- Sunday, Jan 18: Expect snow showers. We’re looking at a high of 23°F and a low of -1°F. The wind is the real kicker here, coming from the northwest at 22 mph.
- Monday, Jan 19: It gets colder. Light snow with a high of only 9°F. It drops to -2°F overnight.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Snow is likely. High of 20°F, low of 2°F. The wind shifts to the southeast, which usually signals some moisture coming in.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Mostly cloudy. High 21°F, low 7°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Pretty much more of the same. High 22°F, low 8°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: Another dip. Snow returns with a high of 8°F and a low that plunges to -5°F.
Basically, it’s a week of "bundle up or stay inside."
Why the Wind is the Real Boss
In Sioux Falls, the air temperature is often a lie. You see 0°F on your phone and think, "I can handle that." Then the northwest wind hits you.
When we talk about the 14 day weather forecast sioux falls sd, we have to talk about the wind chill. Right now, that -20°F feels-like temperature is the result of that steady 18 mph wind. That’s the kind of cold that turns a 5-minute walk into a survival mission.
The humidity is currently at 67%. In the summer, that’s "sticky." In the winter, it’s "damp cold," which feels like it seeps right through your puffer jacket and into your bones. It’s why you see people at the local Hy-Vee wearing full Carhartt gear just to buy milk.
Snow: The Constant Companion
We aren't seeing any massive blizzards in the immediate forecast, but the "nickel and diming" is real.
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Most days over the next two weeks have a 20% to 35% chance of snow. It’s rarely enough to bury your car, but it’s just enough to make I-29 a skating rink. Tuesday the 20th and Friday the 23rd look like the most "active" days for precipitation.
Keep an eye on Saturday, January 24. The high is only 2°F, and the low hits -8°F. With snow showers predicted for both day and night, it’s going to be one of those bleak, grey days where the sun is just a myth.
Looking Toward the End of the Month
As we push into the final days of the 14-day window, things don't exactly "thaw."
- Sunday, Jan 25: High of 5°F, low of -8°F. Snow showers continue.
- Monday, Jan 26: We might see a bit of sun. High 10°F, low 0°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 27: A slight recovery to 18°F for the high and 8°F for the low.
Historically, January is our coldest month. The average high is usually around 27°F, so we are actually running significantly colder than the "normal" right now. If you were hoping for a "January Thaw," you’re probably going to have to wait until February.
How to Actually Surive This Forecast
Knowing the numbers is one thing. Living through them is another.
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First, ignore the "high" and look at the "low." If the low is -8°F, that’s the temperature you’re going to be starting your car in. Speaking of cars, if your battery is more than three years old, this week is when it’s going to give up on life.
Second, the wind direction matters. Northwest winds are the "arctic gatekeepers"—they bring the Canadian air that hurts your face. Southeast winds (like we'll see on Tuesday) are usually "snow winds." They bring the moisture.
Third, don't trust a clear sky. In the Sioux Empire, a clear winter night usually means there’s no cloud cover to trap the heat, which is why our lows are hitting those negative numbers.
Actionable Winter Tips for Sioux Falls Residents
Check your tire pressure today. Cold air makes the pressure drop, and you don't want a "low tire" light flashing when it’s -20°F outside.
Keep a real emergency kit in your trunk. I’m not talking about an extra Snickers bar. I mean a heavy blanket, a portable shovel, and maybe some jumper cables. If you slide off into a ditch on a rural road near Tea or Brandon, that kit becomes the most important thing you own.
Lastly, watch your pets. If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt, it’s definitely too cold for them to be out for more than a few minutes.
The 14 day weather forecast sioux falls sd shows a lot of grey and a lot of blue (the cold kind). It’s not exactly beach weather, but it’s what we signed up for. Stay warm, keep the de-icer handy, and maybe treat yourself to a hot coffee—you're going to need the extra warmth.