What To Expect From December's Cold Weather In The Plains

According to the calendar, we're still a few weeks away from winter officially beginning on December 21st. But that doesn't mean we are going to be spared from bitter cold in the final days of fall.

A new report from The Washington Post says a weather anomaly known as Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) will soon cause winds in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere to become warmer and weaker.

And while that sounds like a good thing, it's actually the opposite.

That change can impact the polar vortex, allowing frigid air from near the North Pole to penetrate further south.

As a result, meteorologists are now warning that some areas could see a significant drop in temperatures throughout much of December.

One of the areas expected to be impacted significantly is the Northern Plains, which includes South Dakota, where the state falls within the zone of highest probability for below-average temperatures.

Get our free mobile app

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