So What's A Derecho? Why Should South Dakota Be Worried?

The Sioux Empire is no stranger to severe and unpredictable weather. Needless to say, the Sioux Empire experienced some crazy weather this summer alone.

Multiple news outlets, including Dakota News Now and the National Weather Service, are reporting that a Derecho is possible for parts of South Dakota on Monday, July 28th.

MORE: Looking Back at the 2 Derechos That Hit South Dakota in 2022

Get our free mobile app

So what the heck is a Derecho?

There's a difference between tornadoes and Derechos. Our friends at the National Weather Service define a Derecho as "a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to the strength of tornadoes, the damage typically is directed in one direction along a relatively straight swath. As a result, the term "straight-line wind damage" sometimes is used to describe derecho damage. By definition, if the wind damage swath extends more than 240 miles and includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph or greater along most of its length, then the event may be classified as a derecho." You're going to want to take shelter from a Derecho if one is in the area.

Besides Derechos, South Dakota has also experienced a "weather phenomenon" called a "Haboob." Some think these weather patterns are the same thing, but think again!

Dakota News Now (with permission)

What is a Haboob? Isn't it the same as a Derecho?

A Haboob is not the monkey from Disney's Aladdin. This storm movement typically occurs in very dry regions and states like Arizona. The combination of strong winds and dry weather creates a massive dust storm. During a Haboob, winds have the potential to gust over 100 miles per hour!

Thankfully, with rainfall totals this summer, it's not dry enough to have a Haboob form anytime soon.

The more ya know when it comes to insane South Dakota weather!

20 Ways To Tell If This Winter Will Be a Harsh One

In the days before modern weather forecasting, people used any possible bit of information to get a glimpse into the future. Old tales and folklore get handed down for generations as people do whatever they can to survive another winter.

In the 70s, meteorologist Dick Goddard put together a list of common weather folklore for Farmers’ Almanac that some say can predict what nature has in store for the darkest months of the year.

So, take note, do you see any of these signs that winter has it out for us?

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Even though snow is blanketing the Sioux Empire, some snowstorms still do not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlighted ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the road during the winter. South Dakotans are well aware of the fact that the state’s winters can be harsh which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: KXRB