First Snow in Sioux Falls – When to Expect the White

It’s the seasonal question we start asking as soon as the leaves begin to turn. When exactly will Sioux Falls, South Dakota, see its first snowfall? While some of us are crossing our fingers for a long, mild autumn, long-time locals know that Mother Nature doesn't always play along.

Just ask anyone who remembers shoveling out from the Halloween Blizzard of '91. Whether you're dreading the winter commute or eagerly waiting for the snow, here is when history says the first flakes will actually fly.

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On Average, We're a Little Over 30 Days Away From the First Snowflakes

Joe Raedle, Getty Images

While we are just settling into October, it's not out of the question that we'll see some snow before you see trick-or-treaters at your doorstep. It's certainly a rarity, but it's definitely happened. The last significant snowfall in Sioux Falls during the month of October fell on the very first day of the month back in 1999. On 10/1/1999 Sioux Falls saw 2.7 inches. Thankfully, that won't be happening this year. And as earlier mentioned, no one will ever forget the 11 inches that completely buried the city on Halloween of 1991.

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According to My Wild Weather, November 6th is the average date of the first Sioux Falls snowfall every year. That means we're a little over 30 days away from busting out the snow shovels, ice melt, and heavy duty coats.

Or, are we? If you want to get technical, November 7th is the average date of the first significant snowfall every year. So, it looks like we've got one extra day before the long, long winter sets in.