Weather & Climate in Presho, SD
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Presho experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,787 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,787 ft (545 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 497/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9072°N, 100.0584°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jones County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Very Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.7.
| May 30, 2024 | 38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota | M3.7 | 95 km | 15 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 | 10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska | M3.7 | 146 km | 5 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 | 8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota | M3.6 | 128 km | 5 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 | 15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska | M3.3 | 134 km | 5 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 | 2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota | M3.3 | 54 km | 5 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 | 8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska | M3.3 | 143 km | 5 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 | 4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota | M3.2 | 35 km | 9 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 | 7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota | M3.1 | 93 km | 5 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 | 9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska | M3.1 | 148 km | 5 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 | 8 km E of Agar, South Dakota | M3.0 | 104 km | 5 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 | 11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota | M3.0 | 87 km | 5 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 | 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota | M2.8 | 46 km | 5 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 | 9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska | M2.7 | 114 km | 5 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 | 9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota | M2.5 | 100 km | 5 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 | 9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota | M2.5 | 134 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
257 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 32 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 53 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 | EF3 | 55 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 | EF3 | 61 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 | EF3 | 41 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 | EF3 | 35 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 | EF3 | 78 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1962 | EF3 | 95 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 | EF2 | 62 km | 3.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 | EF2 | 71 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 | EF2 | 95 km | 1.1 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2010 | EF2 | 61 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 | EF2 | 62 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 1993 | EF2 | 75 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 | EF2 | 56 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 30, 1992 | EF2 | 53 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 5, 1987 | EF2 | 20 km | 1.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 | EF2 | 86 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 1974 | EF2 | 91 km | 5.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 8, 1973 | EF2 | 96 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF2 | 87 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: POWER DAM ROAD (15,047 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | POWER DAM ROAD | 15,047 | 66 km |
| 2011 | OKREEK | 11,115 | 43 km |
| 1987 | BIG FIRE | 9,107 | 91 km |
| 2021 | DRY CREEK CA | 8,123 | 66 km |
| 1991 | YELLOWROBE | 4,679 | 83 km |
| 2012 | TOWER | 4,599 | 71 km |
| 2006 | THOMPSON COMPLEX | 3,230 | 38 km |
| 2000 | CLOVER | 3,062 | 25 km |
| 2022 | HOLIDAY | 2,936 | 65 km |
| 2021 | WHIPPLE CAMP | 2,643 | 85 km |
| 2006 | RATTLE SNAKE BUTTE | 2,590 | 87 km |
| 2000 | GANN VALLEY | 2,534 | 97 km |
| 2000 | NOVOTNY AND WAGNER | 1,968 | 76 km |
| 2003 | HOG | 1,935 | 73 km |
| 2006 | FT PIERRE COMPLEX | 1,812 | 41 km |
| 2011 | HIGHWAY 47 | 1,800 | 46 km |
| 2005 | CHAOS | 1,539 | 56 km |
| 2001 | VAN METRE | 1,336 | 60 km |
| 2000 | BLUE HORSE | 1,292 | 99 km |
| 2014 | OKREEK | 1,273 | 34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.6 in | |
| March | 33°F (0°C) | 1.0 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 2.3 in | |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 2.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 2.3 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 1.6 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 0.7 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.5 in |
Presho has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.5").