National Weather ServiceSouth DakotaSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in South Dakota
The National Weather Service issued 48 severe thunderstorm watches for South Dakota in 2025 and 43 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 6th most of any state. 2026 through September: 50, 17% above the average of 43 for those months in 2008-2025. Meade was covered most often (256 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does South Dakota get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of South Dakota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 50 |
| 2025 | 48 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2019 | 49 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2016 | 55 |
| 2015 | 29 |
| 2014 | 32 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2011 | 53 |
| 2010 | 56 |
| 2009 | 42 |
| 2008 | 58 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meade | 256 | 57 | August 30, 2026 |
| Pennington | 250 | 55 | August 23, 2026 |
| Bennett | 248 | 54 | August 27, 2026 |
| Jackson | 248 | 55 | August 27, 2026 |
| Custer | 238 | 54 | August 27, 2026 |
| Mellette | 235 | 48 | August 27, 2026 |
| Todd | 234 | 46 | August 27, 2026 |
| Lawrence | 229 | 48 | August 30, 2026 |
| Haakon | 225 | 50 | August 23, 2026 |
| Butte | 221 | 45 | August 30, 2026 |
| Fall River | 216 | 52 | August 27, 2026 |
| Tripp | 211 | 44 | August 24, 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 severe thunderstorm watch?
Severe thunderstorm watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when storms with large hail or damaging winds are possible over a large area for several hours. 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.