Night Storms Common In Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Showers and storms rolled across south central and southeast KELOLAND Thursday evening.  Those storms moved through Sioux Falls right on time. 

The wet ground in Sioux Falls Friday morning signified that it rained overnight, but if you slept through it, it might be because you're used to it. 

The National Weather Service studied the time of day when thunderstorms move over Sioux Falls since 1970. To qualify, it needed to rain at least a half-inch in a two-hour period.  The research showed thunderstorms are most likely to occur in the late evening into the early morning with the highest frequency between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. The time with the least amount was the early afternoon. 

Storms that develop in the late evening are due to the heating of the day, while the storms that develop overnight are helped by strong southerly winds that develop just above the surface at night; this is called the low level jet. This supplies extra lift and instability in the atmosphere to lead to storm development.  As we continue through summer, don't be too surprised for a rude awakening from Mother Nature.