SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — After a snowy start to December, a lot of that has melted recently. Meteorologist Jaelyn Borresen explains how often we start the new year with minimal snow.
Cooler high temperatures returned to KELOLAND Friday and it is reminding us that the recent stretch of warmth is not usual for this time of year. As several days had above-average highs during the last half of December, many of us went into 2026 with little snow on the ground.
Westside Recreation Center marks one year
A trace or less of snow depth was reported in portions of East and West River yesterday. These values were similar to last year on January 1st, but December 2024 did not have nearly as much snow as December 2025. Areas like Aberdeen started off with 9 inches in snow depth and melted all the way down to a trace by the end of the month.
For downtown Rapid City, it is typical not to have much for snow on the ground. Further to the east, though, a couple of inches is more common. The last time Sioux Falls exceeded its average snow depth for New Year’s Day was in 2023, when there was 6 inches.
Heading into the first weekend of January, it appears that we will continue to clear away any remaining snow as temperatures remain on the warmer side…