As the state tangles with on-again, off-again drought, there are indications conditions are improving going into 2024.
However, the state isn’t out of the woods just yet.
SDSU extension cyimatologist Laura Edwards said while drought conditions have improved, the next few months will be key for the upcoming agricultural season.
This December averaged ten degrees warmer than December 2022.
“The rain and snow event that happened over the Christmas holiday really helped to replenish our soil moisture," Edwards said. "What’s unusual right now is that we don’t have any frost in the ground, so a lot of the rain was able to soak in. We had really no flooding to speak of, despite three inches of rain in some areas – that’s good news I think for our spring.”
Even with all the moisture, Edwards said East River crop fields still need more.
“That southeastern area, kind of centered around Sioux Falls, that’s been the driest part of the state over the last few months," Edwards said. "I think we’re in a little better position, but still things can turn dry. We’re going to rely on some spring moisture to really keep things in good condition as we still are carrying some of those longer-term drought signals deeper in the soil.”
West River, Edwards said cattle country enjoyed a wet summer, but the Black Hills have been one of the driest areas in the state over the last couple months.
The most recent US Drought Monitor describe the Black Hills as “abnormally dry.” That and warm weather are affecting the winter recreation season. An area of “moderate drought” still hangs over the South Dakota-Minnesota border.