PIERRE, SD — State meteorologists say South Dakota has already seen dozens of severe storms this year, with the number of severe thunderstorm warnings running twice as high as it was at this point in 2025. The update comes after a stretch of active weather that included tornado warnings in eastern South Dakota on July 2.
Recent Storm Activity
The July 2 warnings covered eastern parts of the state, and officials confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in Huron. That event added to a year that has already produced repeated severe weather across the state.
Warnings Running Ahead
Meteorologists said the current count of severe thunderstorm warnings is far above last year’s pace for the same point in the season. The comparison suggests South Dakota has been dealing with a more active storm pattern than it did in 2025.
Short Break Expected
Forecasters expect the chance for severe weather to ease this weekend. Even so, they say the relief may not last long, because widespread heat is forecast to return.
What Forecasters Are Watching
The pattern leaves South Dakota in a familiar summer setup: storm chances can ease for a time, then shift back toward hot conditions. Meteorologists are continuing to track the state’s severe weather season as the summer moves on.
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