National Weather ServiceSouth DakotaFreeze WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Warnings in South Dakota
The National Weather Service issued 4 freeze warnings for South Dakota in 2025 and 6 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 39th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 84% above the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Moody was covered most often (36 times since 2008).
How many freeze warnings does South Dakota get?
Every freeze warning that covered part of South Dakota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | 6 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moody | 36 | 7 | May 6, 2026 |
| Lake | 34 | 6 | May 6, 2026 |
| Kingsbury | 34 | 5 | May 20, 2026 |
| Brookings | 34 | 5 | May 20, 2026 |
| Sanborn | 33 | 5 | May 20, 2026 |
| Beadle | 33 | 5 | May 20, 2026 |
| Miner | 32 | 4 | May 6, 2026 |
| Minnehaha | 31 | 7 | May 6, 2026 |
| McCook | 31 | 6 | May 6, 2026 |
| McPherson | 30 | 4 | May 20, 2026 |
| Jerauld | 30 | 6 | May 20, 2026 |
| Edmunds | 30 | 4 | May 20, 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 freeze warning?
A freeze warning means temperatures at or below 32°F are expected during the growing season, enough to kill crops and sensitive plants. Since 2024-2025 it also covers the colder nights that had a hard freeze warning of their own. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. AreaZine's counts include the hard freeze warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in South Dakota.