Climate and Weather

Climate and weather impact the daily lives and livelihoods of all South Dakotans. Climate extremes, like flood and drought, and weather events, like blizzards and thunderstorms, have an impact on farms, rural communities and cities across the state. SDSU Extension has information and resources to keep South Dakotans informed and to help prepare for climate and weather extremes in all seasons of the year.

Our Experts

Professional headshot of Laura Edwards

Laura Edwards

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Resources by Topic

Color-coded precipitation outlook map of the United States.

Forecasts and Outlooks

View the latest precipitation, temperature and climate trends with analysis from our state climatologist.

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of Aug. 31, Northwest and North Central South Dakota arefacing extreme drought, while the rest of the state is under abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. A Small portion of the northeast has adequate moisture.

Drought

Stay ahead of drought impacts with timely climate updates, business insights and research-tested management tips.

Green shield icon above an illustration of a flooded home.

Flood

View resources to prepare for and recover from flood situations in farms, businesses, homes and communities.

Additional Resources

Additional climate and weather information can be found at the Mesonet at SDState, National Weather Service, NOAA Climate Prediction Center and United States Drought Monitor websites.

Related Topics

Climate, Drought: Business/Economics, Drought: Climate, Drought: Crops, Drought: Gardening and Landscaping, Drought: Home and Community, Drought: Livestock, Drought: Range and Land Management

Related Content

Color-coded map of the United States indicating the June through August 2023 precipitation outlook. For a detailed description of this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

June and Summer 2023 Climate Outlook

After an unusually cold spring, the growing season is now in full swing. Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension State Climatologist, shares what to expect for temperatures and precipitation as we approach Summer 2023.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2023

Grasshoppers can cause serious defoliation in forage, soybeans and corn throughout much of the growing season. See our activity predictions for the 2023 growing season based on the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Adult Grasshopper Survey.

Derecho storm approaching the SDSU campus in Brookings.

Remembering the May 12, 2022 Derecho

Roughly one year later, the catastrophic damage of the May 2022 derecho will not soon be forgotten. Take a look back at the storm's impact and gain some perspective on the environmental conditions that led up to it.