National Weather ServiceSouth DakotaFire Weather WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Fire Weather Watches in South Dakota
The National Weather Service issued 30 fire weather watches for South Dakota in 2025 and 20 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 10th most of any state. 2026 through September: 31, 94% above the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Badlands Area was covered most often (93 times since 2008).
How many fire weather watches does South Dakota get?
Every fire weather watch that covered part of South Dakota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 31 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2021 | 33 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2017 | 19 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2015 | 36 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2012 | 55 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2008 | 8 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does South Dakota get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in South Dakota?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badlands Area | 93 | 27 | July 12, 2026 |
| Southern Black Hills | 79 | 18 | May 11, 2026 |
| Fall River County Area | 62 | 29 | July 12, 2026 |
| Pine Ridge Area | 54 | 29 | July 12, 2026 |
| Southwestern South Dakota | 54 | 0 | September 23, 2018 |
| Lower Bad River | 50 | 0 | November 6, 2020 |
| Custer County Plains | 45 | 25 | July 12, 2026 |
| Northern Black Hills | 45 | 9 | May 11, 2026 |
| Bennett County Area | 44 | 24 | May 11, 2026 |
| Upper Cheyenne | 44 | 0 | September 2, 2020 |
| Missouri Coteau | 42 | 0 | November 6, 2020 |
| Yankton | 41 | 30 | April 22, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a fire weather watch?
A fire weather watch means critical fire weather conditions are possible in the coming days; it often comes before a red flag warning. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in South Dakota.