The newest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that abnormally dry conditions cover a good portion of eastern and parts of central South Dakota. The information released Thursday is also showing a small area of moderate drought in extreme northeast South Dakota. South Dakota State Climatologist Dennis Todey says despite expanding drought conditions over the past few months, he is not concerned–and expects soils to recharge with moisture next spring.
Dennis Todey-5 Not Concerned Right Now
Todey says the drought monitor reflects the fact that the past few months have brought lower than normal levels of moisture this fall.
Dennis Todey-6 Reflects Dry Fall Condtions
As far as precipitation predictions for the coming weeks, Todey says the last two months of the year don’t often bring excessive moisture amounts.
Dennis Todey-7 Next Few Months Don’t Usually Bring Lots of Moisture
He says any precipitation that falls now won’t do much to help soil moisture because most ground is already frozen. Todey says this fall’s shortage of precipitation actually had a positive impact for people waiting for crops to dry down to be harvested