South Dakota is grappling with drought concerns as the state faces a severe snow deficit and low rainfall heading into the planting season.
Sioux Falls has received just 15.7 inches of snow, well below the normal 38 inches, while rainfall totals are also falling short. This is leaving much of the state, including areas like Huron, in a moderate to severe drought, with conditions expected to persist through May.
The U.S. Drought Monitor highlights troubling dry conditions across the state, where most areas are at half or less of their average moisture.
While scattered rain is expected later in the week, the ongoing moisture deficit remains a concern for farmers and communities.