Weather & Climate in Hetland, SD
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Hetland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,734 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,734 ft (529 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 91/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3772°N, 97.2347°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kingsbury County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Oct 25, 1990 | 8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota | M3.6 | 118 km | 5 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 | 0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota | M3.1 | 78 km | 5 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 | 9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota | M2.5 | 115 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
487 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 242 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF4 | 44 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1998 | EF4 | 78 km | 14.0 mi | 6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF4 | 77 km | 54.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF4 | 55 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 | EF4 | 83 km | 30.0 mi | 1 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF3 | 57 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF3 | 63 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF3 | 97 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 59 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 64 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 47 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| May 7, 1993 | EF3 | 87 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 41 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 6 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 1984 | EF3 | 68 km | 27.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 | EF3 | 58 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 | EF3 | 34 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 | EF3 | 98 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1965 | EF3 | 100 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 1962 | EF3 | 98 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: TAHOHPI WUI RX (1,166 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | TAHOHPI WUI RX | 1,166 | 92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in | |
| March | 31°F (-0°C) | 1.4 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 2.6 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 4.0 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.1 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 2.6 in | |
| October | 47°F (8°C) | 2.2 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 1.1 in | |
| December | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.6 in | Driest |
Hetland has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and December the driest (0.6").