Skip to main content

Climate

All Climate Content

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.

SDSU Extension Climate Outlook: Cool temperatures likely to continue in May

April 21, 2023

Temperatures are likely to remain cooler than average in May for northern South Dakota, according to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.

Color-coded temperature outlook map of the United States for February through April 2023. For an in-depth description of this graphic, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

La Niña’s Third Year Concludes With Cold Temperatures

A rare, third consecutive year with La Niña conditions is coming to an end, but not without bringing cold temperatures in early February. See what to expect for the rest of winter and early spring with an analysis of the NOAA's latest climate outlook.

Color-coded map of the United States showing October 2022 temperature outlook. Temperatures in South Dakota are leaning above average. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

2022 Fall and Early Winter Climate Outlook

The warmth of September is likely to continue into October with odds leaning towards drier than average conditions according to the latest climate outlook released on September 15, 2022.

Color-coded map of South Dakota indicating the fiftieth percentile, for first fall occurrence of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

First Fall Frost Dates

The first fall frost often marks the end of the growing season, and many garden plants may not survive the freezing temperatures. Learn about some available tools we can use to predict the first fall frost dates around the state.

Rain gauge on a fence post along a well-managed rangeland area.

Five Range Management Principles: #5 Climate Ready

Understanding your ranching system is critical, and identifying anticipated soil-plant-animal responses during periods of dry, wet, or normal conditions will enable you to develop climate-ready practices. Learn how to get started today!

Map: Temperature outlook for September 2022

2022 Fall Climate Outlook

Summertime is coming to an end soon, and September is right around the corner. The questions we hear this time of year are often about fall harvest weather for corn and soybeans, planting for winter wheat and our first fall frost.

United States Map showing precipitation outlook for June through August 2022. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

2022 Summer Climate and Drought Outlook

On May 19, the NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released their temperature and precipitation outlooks for June and the summer season ahead. See a full report of what to expect for the summer of 2022.

Four photos showing a derecho approaching the SDSU campus in Brookings, South Dakota.

What is a derecho?

In the aftermath of the May 12, 2022 derecho that impacted eastern South Dakota, many are wondering what derechos are and what conditions can cause them.

Image showing locations of the five South Dakota reservoirs managed by the US BOR

Spring Storms Help Bureau of Reclamation Reservoirs in Northwestern South Dakota

While the moisture was needed, the systems were severe with blizzard conditions occurring from multi-day, strong-gusting winds across the area.