Honestly, if you're looking out the window in Sioux Falls right now and thinking it’s just another breezy Friday, you might want to double-check that gear. The question of what time is it supposed to snow on Friday isn't just about when the flakes start falling—it’s about when the visibility absolutely tanks.
The National Weather Service has been pretty clear. A Winter Weather Advisory is in full swing right now and is set to run until 6:00 PM tonight.
The Real Timeline for Today
Snow showers are already in the mix. According to the latest data from the 9:34 AM update, we’re looking at a steady "snow likely" situation through the rest of the morning and afternoon. If you’re trying to time your commute or a quick run to the store, the "meat" of this event is happening between now and 4:00 PM.
By 11:53 AM, temperatures were hovering at 19°F, but it feels like a brutal 3°F. That’s thanks to those northwest winds whipping around at 21 mph.
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Here is the breakdown of the timing:
- Now through 4:00 PM: Peak snow shower activity. Expect those "bands or stripes" of snow that the NWS warned about. One minute it’s clear, the next you’re in a whiteout.
- 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Snow showers continue, but the intensity starts to pivot toward patchy blowing snow as the advisory nears its end.
- After 6:00 PM: The formal advisory expires, but don't let your guard down. We're still looking at a 25% chance of snow showers tonight with a low of 6°F.
Why This Friday is Sneaky
Most people see "less than an inch" in the forecast and think it’s nothing. That’s a mistake today. The real story isn't the accumulation—it's the wind. We’re talking about northwest gusts that could hit 55 mph. When you mix even a half-inch of light, powdery snow with 50 mph gusts, you get "ground blizzard" conditions.
Visibility can drop to a half-mile or less in seconds. It's that "white curtain" effect.
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Basically, the snow is supposed to be active all day, but the most hazardous travel window is right now through the late afternoon. If you can stay off the roads until the sun goes down and the wind settles slightly, you'll be much better off.
What to Actually Do
If you have to be out, slow down. Seriously. The bridge decks and overpasses around the 229 and I-29 interchange are going to be slicker than they look because of the dropping temperatures. We're heading for a high of only 27°F today, and it’s only going down from there.
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Check your tire pressure. This kind of cold snap drops it fast. And keep a half-tank of gas; if you do end up in a ditch because of a sudden snow band, you’ll want that heater.
The snow showers should taper off into flurries late tonight, but with a low of 6°F and wind chills reaching -25°F by tomorrow, today is really just the opening act for a very cold weekend. Stay warm, keep the lights on, and keep an eye on those fast-moving snow bands.