Ups and downs of January continues

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) –There was a hit of cold air earlier this week, but we have returned to above average temperatures. When you look at the climate average, many of us will soon get out of our coldest time of year.

Northbound lanes of I-229 closed at Benson Road

Even with the thick cloud cover and snow, temperatures reached the 30s in many locations, which is above average. While another round of cold air returns early next week, we’ll have another warming trend toward the end of the new work week as the ups and downs of January continue. This map shows our coldest average high temperatures.

Many are in the 20s for central and eastern South Dakota. There are exceptions with Winner’s coldest average high being 34 and Rapid City at 36.This next graphic shows the date when the climate average high starts to go up.

We have to wait until the second half of the month for that. Winner’s average high is already going up, with a trend that started January 6th, while Rapid City has to wait until February 5th to get an increase in their average.I mentioned the ups and downs in temperature will continue this month. Wouldn’t you know it, that during the week when a lot of us see the climate average warming, that’s when we’re expected to get another shot of bitter cold in the upper plains.