SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- The weather of the northern plains is known for its bone-chilling cold in the month of January. But a quick look at the record books shows we've really had it pretty easy in recent years. It always gets cold in January in KELOLAND, but the numbers tell us it's been awhile since it's stayed for a monthly average. Brookings fire closes 2 buildings for evaluation Last January was very cold at times, with several subzero lows, but we still managed to average out near normal across KELOLAND. 2023 and 2022 were both above average in January. 2021 was way above normal, mainly because we had such mild overnight lows during the month. The last time we had persistent cold was in 2011. But even that January was tame compared to others in our past. Go back to the 1990s, and you'll find more memorable cold. January 1996 and 1997 were widespread and linked to a lot of snow. And I couldn't do this story without referencing the epic winters of the late 1970s. Look at January of 1979. The mercury fell below zero in Sioux Falls 23 times that January. So if you feel the urge to complain about the cold the next few days, just remember, it definetely could be worse.