Snow? Chances Of A South Dakota White Christmas Are 'Kinda Low'

Some South Dakota residents might be getting their Christmas wish of having a "brown Christmas" this year. This mild winter looks like it will continue in South Dakota when Santa Claus comes to town.

It's hard to believe that the Sioux Empire managed to shovel out of last winter. Knowing the winter weather trends in the Midwest, Sioux Falls residents were prepared for whatever winter brings this year. But so far...it's been quiet. So what are the chances that Sioux Falls and South Dakota will have a white Christmas this year?

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If any Sioux Falls resident has a wish for a magical white Christmas morning and a lot of snow, then this article might be a little disappointing. Our friends at the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls are saying our chances of seeing snow on Christmas morning are "rather low."

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls shared a picture of a chart of towns across the Sioux Empire that do have a history of a "probability of at least one inch of snow on the ground on Christmas." This is mainly based on normal climate conditions between the years 1991-2020.

When I spoke to Todd Heitkamp with the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, this is how he explained our snow chances on Christmas Day:

"Typically our chances for a white Christmas are right around 59%, but this year it looks quite a bit higher. With this in mind, even though many people would prefer a white Christmas, it looks like everyone should make it to Grandma's house as the travel issues casued by weather should be minimal."

So if you want a white Christmas this year, where is the best chance you will see it? Climate.gov shared a map of the latest predictions of states that will likely have a white Christmas. They include Alaska, Main, Upstate New York, the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, practically anywhere in Idaho, the Rockies or the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and...the state of Minnesota.

Climate.gov Media

We all know that weather can be unpredictable. So for all snow lovers in Sioux Falls, let's hope for some snow this Christmas!

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Even though snow is blanketing the Sioux Empire, some snowstorms still do not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlighted ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the road during the winter. South Dakotans are well aware of the fact that the state’s winters can be harsh which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: KXRB

10 Small-Town South Dakota Restaurants That Are Worth The Drive

The Sioux Empire is full of restaurants that are long-known to be local favorites.

Sure, they might be a short drive from home, but you won't regret the experience at these hometown mainstays.

Here are 10 of the best small-town restaurants in South Dakota.

Gallery Credit: Andy Gott

Source: Snow? Chances Of A South Dakota White Christmas Are ‘Kinda Low’

Categories: Articles, News, Sioux Falls