Climate
Report by Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension.
Much of South Dakota received some beneficial rain in the last week. Most of the state received two inches or more, with the north central and some areas over Ziebach, Jones, Tripp and Gregory counties reporting more than five inches. The far-eastern counties along the Minnesota border received the least, with around one inch or less for most of that region. Vegetation and crops greened up quickly in response to the rainfall over most of the region, and soil moisture improved.
After the heat on the Juneteenth holiday, temperatures have moderated and are now near typical for this time of year. Some warmth did linger in the east for several days, however. In the Black Hills, the weekly average temperature was more than two degrees colder than average in some locations. Most of the East River locations were six to eight degrees above average for the week.
Weather
Report by Darren Clabo, South Dakota Mines.
Forecast Highlights: Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected each day through Friday this week across nearly all of South Dakota. Southwestern South Dakota and the Black Hills could see 1 to 4 inches by the end of the work week. Eastern South Dakota and northwestern South Dakota will remain relatively dry, but a few storms are still likely. Temperatures this week will peak in the 70s and 80s, warmest over central South Dakota. Minimum RHs will stay above critical thresholds. The coming weekend will bring mostly clear skies. Saturday will see highs in the 70s and 80s, while Sunday climbs into the 80s and low 90s. Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4 will bring back chances for showers and thunderstorms. Highs on Monday will be in the 80s and 90s, while Tuesday cools into the 70s and 80s.
Potential for critical conditions: Critical conditions are not expected this week.
Fire/Fuels
Report by John Haskvitz, South Dakota Wildland Fire.
No fire concerns for this week. Once we get into several days of warm temperatures and no precipitation, pay attention to what the fuels are doing. We do have a big fuel load of herbaceous fuels on the landscape.
ERC maps will not be available until NFDRSv4 becomes fully operational.
Next Update: Wednesday, July 5, 2023
