The Coldest Temperatures Ever Recorded in Sioux Falls

Eastern South Dakota is known for its winter snow; we can get a lot. But, more than that, we are known for our cold temperatures.

Out west, in the Black Hills, it can drop below zero, but the elevation and the winds off the Rockies give them nice respites from the cold. Here in the east, Sioux Falls gets cold, gets colder, then stays cold.

RELATED: South Dakota Winter Survival Guide: Protect Against Frostbite

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Historic Temperature Records in Sioux Falls

Looking back through the data collected by The National Weather Service over the last 125 years, we see that there have been some very, very...very cold nights in the Sioux Empire. These extremely cold temperatures usually come in January and February, that's when all the records were set.

The coldest temperature recorded in Sioux Falls, since records began in 1893, was on February 9, 1899. The city saw overnight lows of 42 degrees below zero. Then two nights later, the city set the second-coldest temperature record when, on February 11, 1899, it was minus 40.

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January 12, 1912, and February 8, 1899, both reported low temps of -38. On February 2, 1905, it dipped to -37.

The coldest it's gotten in Sioux Falls in the 2000s was on January 2, 2010, when it dropped to -30 degrees.

Staying Safe During Extreme Cold

When the cold does envelop Sioux Falls, it's important to take the weather seriously and plan and dress accordingly. And don't forget about your pets!