Climate Shift Delays First Freezes Across South Dakota, Report Finds

First freeze dates in South Dakota are occurring later in the year, lengthening the growing season and increasing risks from weeds, pests, and wildfires. A report from Climate Central shows that first freezes are arriving 12 days later in Sioux Falls, 13 days later in Mitchell, and seven days later in Rapid City since 1970. Statewide, the trend is 1.4 days later per decade based on county data, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center freeze date tool.