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2006: Record heat occurred across central and north central South Dakota and into parts of northeast South Dakota. Afternoon high temperatures ranged from 105 to as high as 120 degrees. Record highs were set at Pierre, Mobridge, Kennebec, and Timber Lake. Pierre set a new all-time record high of 117 degrees and Mobridge tied their all-time record high of 116 degrees. Kennebec and Timber Lake both hit a record high temperature of 112 degrees. The coop observer station 17 miles west southwest of Fort Pierre tied the state record high temperature with 120 degrees. Other high temperatures for the day were 116 degrees at Onida and Mission Ridge, 114 degrees at Murdo, 112 degrees at Redfield and Blunt, 111 degrees at Stephan, 110 degrees at Conde and Gann Valley, and 109 degrees at Aberdeen.

2011: A large upper level high pressure area built over the region bringing very hot and humid conditions. This was the worst heat wave to hit the region since July 2006. Beginning on Friday July 15th and persisting through Wednesday July 20th, many locations experienced high temperatures in the 90s to lower 100s, with low temperatures in the 70s at night. In addition, humidity levels rose to extreme levels at times. Surface dew point temperatures in the 70s and lower 80s brought extreme heat index values of up to 110 to 125 degrees. The dewpoints were some of the highest ever recorded in the region. The dewpoint at Aberdeen tied the previous record with 82 degrees. Sisseton also tied their record with 83 degrees. Watertown came a degree shy of tying their record with 80 degrees. The prolonged heat took its toll on livestock with fifteen hundred cattle perishing during the heat. Numerous sports and outdoor activities were cancelled. Some of the highest heat index values included; 110 degrees at Mobridge; 111 degrees at Watertown; 113 degrees at Miller and Gettysburg; 114 degrees at Wheaton and Faulkton; 116 degrees at Pierre; 118 degrees at Sisseton; and 121 degrees at Aberdeen. The highest heat index value occurred at Leola with a temperature of 98 degrees and a dewpoint of 82 degrees, the heat index hit 125 degrees.

1881: A family of tornadoes, likely up to F5 in strength, was on the ground for 40 miles in southern Minnesota. Five farms had every building completely swept away. One of the tornadoes was about to pass just to the west of New Ulm, but then turned and plowed into the town. Twenty people were killed along the entire path length, including six in New Ulm.

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