How Will El Niño Affect Us in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota?

No matter if the sun is shining or if the temperatures is -20 below, weather is always a conversation started throughout the Sioux Empire. It's just in our Midwestern DNA.

With the past wild summer weather across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, I'm sure you're curious about what's around the corner. Especially when "El Niño" arrives.

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I am not a meteorologist by any means and I don't pretend to be one. But I do know that some Sioux Empire residents might tense up when they hear El Niño pop up in forecasts. So let's turn to the experts and our friends at Severe Studios with the Weatherman himself, Shawn Cable.

Shawn has been reporting storms and keeping neighbors safe across the 605 and beyond for years. He always does a wonderful job explaining extreme storms and common weather patterns. He explained the recent El Niño predications in a well-detailed Facebook post.

So How Does Meteorologist Shawn Cable Explain El Niño?

El Niño occurs when water near the equator in the Pacific Ocean becomes warmer than normal. Shawn Cable explains this might sound normal, but this could cause a lot of change.

It can rearrange the atmosphere and storm tracks across the globe, including right here in the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains. El Niño is now underway and strengthening. NOAA says there is a greater than 90% chance it will become very strong during the fall and winter of 2026-27. There is even a chance it could reach historic levels. However, that refers to the strength of the warming in the Pacific Ocean. It does not mean we are guaranteed to experience historic weather here

What Does El Niño Mean for the Sioux Empire?

It's possible we're going to get more "active weather" this late summer into early fall. This means thunderstorms and rain. The good news? We'll have "fewer long stretches of extreme heat." Finally! Hallelujah! And for winter...this means it could be milder than normal for the Sioux Empire.

What Every South Dakotan Should Be Doing to Prepare for Winter — Google Maps/Canva

Like Shawn Cable said, these are "general tendencies... not guarantees." You never know what Mother Nature will do next!

For any and all weather needs, keep up with our friends at Severe Studios by downloading our Results/Townsquare Media station's app. You'll have the latest weather forecast whenever you want it!

Winter Weather Tips From the National Weather Service

Gallery Credit: National Weather Service

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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

Source: How Will El Niño Affect Us in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota?