Climate

All Climate Content
People eat ice cream under a large tent
Aug 18

Dakotafest

Stop by the SDSU Extension booth at Dakotafest to meet specialists, ask questions, get recommendations and learn about programming and events.

Overhead view of State Fair 4-H exhibits
Sep 02

State Fair

The 2026 South Dakota State Fair will take place Wednesday, September 2, through Monday, September 7, at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, South Dakota.

People eat ice cream under a large tent

SDSU Extension experts to attend 2026 Dakotafest

July 22, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension experts will attend the 2026 Dakotafest trade show in Mitchell, providing educational resources and hands-on activities for a variety of topics.

an image of outdoor weather monitoring equipment in a field

Climate and Weather

View resources to predict, prepare and recover from weather-related events year-round, including the latest drought and flood information.

View of pasture and cropland conditions at the Pierre, SD mesonet station.

Drought Update: Mid-June 2026

According to the June 11, 2026 U.S. Drought Monitor, 53% of South Dakota is currently in drought. These conditions are strongest primarily in the southern half of the state, impacting approximately 623,996 residents, or roughly two-thirds of the state’s population, highlighting the ongoing and expanding impact of drought across South Dakota.

Weather station at the edge of a large, open pasture.

Drought

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

A planting of alfalfa.

Effects of Late Spring Frost on Alfalfa

Forage research indicates that, although alfalfa is considered to have good cold temperature tolerance, minor frost damage may occur when plants are exposed to air temperatures slightly below freezing for several hours, and more severe damage will be seen when temperatures drop below 25°F for four or more hours.

South Dakota Mesonet weather station along agricultural land in Beresford, South Dakota.

Building Resilient Farms Amid Increasing Weather Variability

Recent decades have brought a noticeable increase in climate variability in South Dakota. Understanding these trends and adopting adaptive management practices can help producers strengthen the resilience of their operations.

ebcam view of the Edgemont mesonet station.
Sep 17

Weather and Climate Trends for South Dakota & Seasonal Outlook Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month, we will discuss temperature and precipitation trends for South Dakota and projections for the coming decades.

Christmas cactus plant in full bloom with bright-pink, tubular flowers.

SDSU Extension to host off-season Garden Hour series

September 09, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will continue its popular Garden Hour series during the off-season with webinars every other month.