Big Warm-up Forecast for South Dakota

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A high-pressure system and ridge is bringing much warmer air to South Dakota, with East River areas climbing into the 40s and 50s and West River reaching the 60s on Thursday. This warming trend could lead to record high temperatures, especially in central and western parts of the state that are forecast to be 30 degrees above average. The warm spell is expected to continue into the middle of February, though a cold front will bring temperatures back down after Thursday.

Why it matters

Unseasonably warm weather can have significant impacts, from affecting agriculture and energy usage to creating hazardous driving conditions. Record-breaking temperatures also highlight the broader trends of climate change in the region.

The details

Meteorologist Jaelyn Borresen says the warm-up is being driven by a high-pressure system and ridge that is keeping the region quiet and bringing in much warmer air. On Thursday, East River areas are forecast to reach the 40s and 50s, while West River could see temperatures climb into the 60s - as much as 30 degrees above average for this time of year. This dramatic warming trend means many areas, especially in central and western South Dakota, have a good chance of breaking daily high temperature records.

• On Thursday, February 6, 2026, temperatures are expected to soar.
• The warm spell is forecast to continue into the middle of February.

What’s next

After Thursday's record-breaking warmth, a cold front is expected to move through the region, bringing temperatures back down, though they will still remain well above average.