Recent rounds of thunderstorms brought much-needed rainfall to parts of South Dakota and the High Plains, improving drought conditions in some areas, though dry conditions continue to affect much of the region.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor reported that scattered showers across the central and eastern United States provided uneven drought relief, with some locations receiving heavy rain while others saw little precipitation. Southeastern Nebraska largely missed the rainfall, while portions of all six High Plains states experienced significant storms.
One of the most significant weather events occurred June 28-29, when a powerful line of thunderstorms produced widespread wind damage from northwestern Nebraska into southeastern North Dakota. An unofficial wind gust of 131 mph was recorded in Hyde County, South Dakota, while a 112 mph gust was measured near Ree Heights in Hand County. The storms caused extensive damage, including downed trees, power lines and buildings across parts of central South Dakota.
Despite the rainfall, drought remains a concern across the region. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that, as of June 28, 66% of Nebraska’s rangeland and pasture was rated very poor, along with 63% in Colorado.
South Dakota also continues to face widespread drought, with more than half the state classified in drought conditions. Severe to extreme drought remains concentrated across southern portions of the state despite recent precipitation.