After a wet start to July, dry conditions have dominated much of the month across southeastern South Dakota, leaving many communities well below normal precipitation levels.
National Weather Service data through July 21 show Mitchell has received just 0.17 inches of rain this month, or 1.29 inches below normal. Since Jan. 1, Mitchell has recorded 7.18 inches of precipitation, which is 4.71 inches below average.
Huron has picked up 1.73 inches of rain in July, just 0.05 inches below normal for the month, but remains 2.33 inches below average for the year with 11.49 inches of precipitation.
Sioux Falls has fared better in July with 2.35 inches of rain, 0.28 inches above normal, though the city remains 4.64 inches below normal for the year at 11.55 inches.
Sioux City, Iowa, has received 1.88 inches of rain this month, 0.35 inches below normal, and is 4.73 inches below average for the year with 12.18 inches.
Regional maps show much of southeastern South Dakota received just 5% to 75% of normal rainfall during July, with the driest conditions centered near Mitchell and areas south toward Yankton. Year-to-date precipitation totals range from about 50% to 100% of normal across the region, with the largest deficits stretching across south-central South Dakota.