Cold Air Funnels Spotted

In recent days, a distinctive situation has arisen in eastern South Dakota, creating conditions favorable for the development of some cold air funnels.

Photo Credit: Grant County Emergency Management

The Grant County Emergency Management reported a cold funnel sighted south of Big Stone Lake, just east of Wilmot, on Monday, and over the Labor Day Weekend, a cold air funnel was reported in Marshall County near Britton.

These funnels usually form when cold air at higher altitudes moves over warmer air at the surface, leading to an unstable zone. As air ascends in this area, it may start to rotate because of local wind patterns, leading to the creation of a funnel cloud. Unlike tornadoes, cold air funnels are typically weaker and less damaging, although they can occasionally touch down if there is an increase in instability and surface rotation.

However, in the rare case one does touch the ground, it is best to seek shelter in a sturdy building if you spot one.