Higher temps met with high fire danger in Lincoln County

SIOUX FALLS — As temperatures are set to climb next week to the warmest experienced so far this year, so will the risk of grassland fires across southeastern South Dakota.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service are calling for a significant warm up next week, with temperatures in southeastern South Dakota reaching as high as 82 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Should Sioux Falls reach 80 degrees or warmer, it would mark the first 80-degree day since Oct. 23, 2022, when the National Weather Service recorded a high of 85 degrees at the city’s airport.

Though the warmest temperatures of the year may be a point of excitement, abnormally dry conditions met with stronger winds — mainly on Saturday and Tuesday — has led to an increase in fire danger for grassland areas.

Neither Minnehaha nor Lincoln counties are experiencing any form of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s update on Thursday, April 6, though soil conditions in those counties are considered to be abnormally dry.

As a result, the National Weather Service has issued varying degrees of fire danger advisories for Saturday. While Minnehaha County is deemed to be at low risk for grassland fires, areas to the south are at an increased danger, with Lincoln County deemed at high risk and Union County listed as at very high risk.

Officials are advising residents to use extreme caution while burning, avoid carelessly discarding cigarettes and use extra care when handling equipment outdoors.