Drought Conditions Worsen In N.D., Stable In S.D.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Drought conditions in South Dakota haven't changed much over the past week.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows about 80 percent of the state being either abnormally dry or in some stage of drought, up just slightly from last week. About 13 percent of the state is in severe drought, up from 11 percent last week.
The area of severe drought is north central South Dakota. Much of the rest of the northern half of the state is rated in moderate drought. There are no areas in South Dakota in the "extreme" or "exceptional" drought categories.
Areas not rated as being dry are most of eastern South Dakota, along with areas along the border in the southwest and south central parts of the state.
Meanwhile, drought conditions have worsened in North Dakota over the past week despite rain showers across the state.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows all of the state being either abnormally dry or in some stage of drought. About 27 percent of the state is in severe drought, up from 13.5 percent last week.
The areas of severe drought are in central and south central North Dakota and the far northwestern corner of the state. The Red River Valley is classified as abnormally dry, along with the far southwestern corner of North Dakota.
The rest of the state is experiencing moderate drought. There are no areas in the "extreme" or "exceptional" drought categories.
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