Sioux Falls Recorded Above Average September Rainfall

The city saw 5.79 inches of precipitation throughout the month, exceeding normal levels.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Current Conditions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized rain collector, symbolizing local precipitation data in Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls recorded 5.79 inches of precipitation throughout September 2026, exceeding the normal rainfall average for the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Sioux Falls recorded 5.79 inches of precipitation during September 2026. This total surpassed the normal monthly rainfall average for the area.

Why it matters

Understanding local precipitation trends helps residents track seasonal weather deviations. While significant, the month remained well below historical records for the city.

The city logged 5.79 inches of total rain in September 2026 against a 2.73-inch historical average. The highest recorded rainfall for the month remains 9.3 inches, set in 1986.

The players

National Weather Service

This federal agency is responsible for providing weather forecasts, warnings, and climate data for the United States.

The details

Rainfall accumulated across the month, with the National Weather Service reporting 5.39 inches by September 27. An additional 0.40 inches of rain fell on September 29, contributing to the final monthly total.

Timeline

  1. September 1986 marked the record wettest September with 9.3 inches.

  2. September 2016 recorded 7.6 inches of rain.

  3. September 2018 recorded 7.3 inches of rain.

  4. September 27, 2026, saw month-to-date rainfall reach 5.39 inches.

  5. September 29, 2026, added 0.40 inches of rain.

Seasonal Patterns

The 2026 September rainfall total remains lower than the 1986 record of 9.3 inches. This monthly total is consistent with intermittent wet cycles observed in 2016 and 2018.

Residents should continue to monitor local weather alerts for updates on soil saturation and drainage. Official resources from municipal agencies can assist with managing property drainage during wet cycles.

The takeaway

While this September saw above-normal rainfall, it falls within the range of historical fluctuations for the region. Homeowners can benefit from maintaining clear gutters and drainage paths to manage seasonal precipitation effectively.

Further reading

For more information on local climate, see Current Conditions.