The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows worsening drought conditions across southeastern South Dakota, with nearly the entire region now experiencing some level of drought or abnormal dryness.
Areas of severe drought (D2) have expanded across portions of central and southeastern South Dakota, while extreme drought (D3) continues in parts of south-central South Dakota and has developed in a small area west of Sioux Falls.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, 98.85% of its forecast area is now classified as at least abnormally dry (D0), while 75.66% is experiencing moderate drought (D1) or worse. More than half the region (52.82%) is now in severe drought (D2) or worse, and 18.02% is classified in extreme drought (D3). No areas are currently listed in exceptional drought (D4).
The U.S. Drought Monitor also shows conditions have deteriorated over the past month across much of the region, with many locations dropping one drought category. Portions of southeastern South Dakota and northeastern Nebraska experienced larger degradations.
Davison County, including Mitchell, remains in severe drought (D2), while neighboring counties are split between moderate (D1), severe (D2) and extreme (D3) drought conditions.
The National Weather Service said drought impacts can include crop and pasture losses, elevated wildfire danger and declining stream, reservoir and well levels. In areas of severe drought, crop and pasture losses become likely, fire danger remains very high and water shortages become more common.
Meteorologists encourage residents, farmers and ranchers to report local drought impacts, which help refine future U.S. Drought Monitor updates.