The weekly national drought monitor report from the National Drought Mitigation Center in Nebraska shows an increase in drought conditions in South Dakota.
According to the report, all of South Dakota is in some form of drought, with abnormally dry areas in the center of the state and worse conditions across the far west and into the White River region.
Last week, extreme drought conditions covered about 4.72 percent of the state and have increased to 5.66 percent. Severe drought has increased from last week's report, with 41.15 percent under that condition compared to 30.59 percent one week ago. Moderate drought conditions this week are sitting at 46.09 percent, up from 44.30 percent last week.
Percentage of South Dakota in each Drought Category:
Date | No Drought | Abnormally Dry | Moderate Drought | Severe Drought | Extreme Drought | Exceptional Drought |
2024-10-22 | 0.00 | 7.10 | 46.09 | 41.15 | 5.66 | 0.00 |
2024-10-15 | 0.00 | 20.40 | 44.30 | 30.59 | 4.72 | 0.00 |
2024-07-23 | 72.51 | 14.76 | 9.40 | 3.33 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
2023-12-26 | 78.67 | 17.80 | 3.53 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
2024-10-01 | 13.28 | 45.64 | 28.52 | 10.71 | 1.85 | 0.00 |
2023-10-24 | 83.40 | 10.67 | 3.14 | 2.78 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
There might be some hope for next week as forecast models show a storm system that might bring precipitation to the region around Halloween. But remember, we are still a week out, and changes to the modeling forecast can easily change. For the updated weather maps, check out our Weather Maps page.
