National Weather ServiceSouth DakotaHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in South Dakota
The National Weather Service issued 21 high wind watches for South Dakota in 2025 and 10 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 11th most of any state. 2026 through September: 9, 54% above the average of 6 for those months in 2008-2025. Southern Meade Co Plains was covered most often (91 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does South Dakota get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of South Dakota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 9 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2008 | 10 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Meade Co Plains | 91 | 20 | March 12, 2026 |
| Harding | 90 | 18 | March 12, 2026 |
| Northern Meade Co Plains | 90 | 18 | March 12, 2026 |
| Butte | 89 | 18 | March 12, 2026 |
| Pennington Co Plains | 89 | 19 | March 12, 2026 |
| Rapid City | 82 | 15 | March 12, 2026 |
| Sturgis/Piedmont Foot Hills | 73 | 2 | March 15, 2023 |
| Perkins | 71 | 1 | April 19, 2023 |
| Ziebach | 67 | 15 | March 12, 2026 |
| Haakon | 59 | 12 | March 12, 2026 |
| Northern Foot Hills | 58 | 2 | April 19, 2023 |
| Custer Co Plains | 52 | 14 | March 12, 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 high wind watch?
A high wind watch means winds reaching high wind warning values are possible. 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.