Record-Breaking Warm Fall in South Dakota
Record-Breaking Warm Fall in South Dakota
US · Published Nov 13, 2026
• South Dakota has experienced record-breaking warm temperatures this fall, according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. As of November 11, Sioux Falls had not recorded a hard freeze (28°F/-2.2°C or below), marking the latest occurrence of such an event in recorded history. The previous record was set in 2016 on November
• Aberdeen reported an average low temperature of 36.4°F (2.4°C) for November, the warmest in 131 years of records. In Rapid City, October was the sixth-warmest in 85 years, and November ranked as the 10th warmest on record. These anomalies highlight a significant deviation from historical temperature patterns in the region.

Impact & Risks

The unusually warm fall temperatures have delayed the first hard freeze in Sioux Falls, which could impact agricultural cycles and pest control measures. In Aberdeen, the record-high average low temperature for November may affect local ecosystems and energy consumption patterns. Rapid City's warmer-than-average October and November could also influence local weather-dependent industries. While the immediate risks appear minimal, prolonged deviations from seasonal norms could have long-term environmental and economic implications.

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