National Weather ServiceSouth DakotaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in South Dakota
The National Weather Service issued 15 winter storm watches for South Dakota in 2025 and 20 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 19th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 62% below the average of 13 for those months in 2008-2025. Northern Black Hills was covered most often (115 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does South Dakota get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of South Dakota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2013 | 28 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2010 | 21 |
| 2009 | 27 |
| 2008 | 22 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Black Hills | 115 | 18 | April 3, 2026 |
| Central Black Hills | 97 | 10 | October 29, 2024 |
| Roberts | 80 | 15 | April 3, 2026 |
| Grant | 76 | 10 | March 14, 2026 |
| Day | 74 | 13 | April 3, 2026 |
| Marshall | 73 | 14 | April 3, 2026 |
| Northern Foot Hills | 73 | 6 | April 3, 2023 |
| Codington | 72 | 10 | March 14, 2026 |
| Clark | 71 | 12 | March 14, 2026 |
| Deuel | 70 | 9 | March 14, 2026 |
| Hamlin | 69 | 9 | March 14, 2026 |
| Southern Black Hills | 68 | 6 | March 6, 2025 |
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 winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. 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.