textproduct: Sioux Falls

KEY MESSAGES

- Light snow will continue this afternoon, eventually exiting to the southeast this evening. Additional accumulations will be light, a dusting to a half an inch over southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa.

- Patchy dense fog is possible early Thursday morning.

- Warmer temperatures for Thursday and Friday. Grassland Fire Danger will be elevated both days.

- A cool down and more chances for light snow is in store this weekend.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 149 PM CST Wed Feb 25 2026

Light snow is currently moving through the region, and is expected to exit to the southeast this evening. Additional accumulations of a dusting to a a tenth or two for most locations. Slightly higher additional accumulations up to a half an inch is possible for portions of southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa. Clouds will slowly scatter out through the overnight and winds will become light. Early Thursday morning patchy dense fog may develop for areas east of the James River Valley. Visibility may briefly be reduced down to 2 miles or less at times. Fog burns off quickly after day break.

The rest of Thursday will be pleasant with clear skies and warm highs in the upper 40s to 50s. Afternoon winds will be breezy with west-northwesterly gusts 25-30 mph west of the James River. To the east, gusts will be lighter between 15-25 mph. Friday will be even warmer thanks to a strong push of WAA. Good mixing through the 850 mb layer will result in surface highs in the 50s and 60s, with the warmest temperatures expected along the southern Missouri River Counties. Taking a look aloft a large low pressure system will move through central into eastern Canada Thursday through Friday. Friday afternoon it will drag a trough axis through our region. This will turn winds to the northwest by late morning. Winds will then increase in response to a tightening SPG, with afternoon gusts reaching 25-35 mph. Winds decrease after sunset but remain on the breezy side, with gust of 15-20 mph.

The main concern for both these days is the High to Very High Grassland Fire Danger. Though relative humidity values will be well above critical thresholds, the warm temperatures and breezy winds could aid in rapid fire growth through cured fuels. Please use caution, especially in areas of longer grass like ditches or dense field stubble. Should a fire start, report it immediately.

With the change in wind direction comes a strong push of CAA. This will bring our high temperatures Saturday down closer to average in the 20s and 30s. Along with cooler temperatures, a subtle embedded shortwave with in the larger low mentioned earlier may provide just enough lift for light snow showers to form. Snow may linger into Sunday. Many details are uncertain at this time, but a an inch or two of accumulation may be possible. Highs for Sunday will be colder than average in the 20s. But don't fret, we begin a warming trend again Monday that continues through mid week.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 525 PM CST Wed Feb 25 2026

Light snow continues to fall across about half of the area late this afternoon. Ceilings and visibilities remain generally VFR but have pockets down to MVFR/IFR levels, especially in falling snow. Any light snow will push southeast of the area during the evening timeframe, ending any lowered visibility or ceilings across the area. This will leave light southwesterly winds for the overnight hours. Some potential remains for patchy fog to develop overnight, mainly east of the James River. Breezy northwest winds with gusts up to about 30 knots is expected for tomorrow afternoon. Weakening northwest winds will finish out the TAF period.

FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

SD...None. MN...None. IA...None. NE...None.