Drought: Climate
All Drought: Climate Content
Summer 2025 Climate Review and September Outlook
A record wet August in several locations marked the end of South Dakota’s meteorological summer. One challenge coming this fall will be determining how quickly field and crop conditions dry down to allow harvest activities to progress.
Climate and Weather
View resources to predict, prepare and recover from weather-related events year-round, including the latest drought and flood information.
May 2025 Drought and Climate Update
Drought has plagued South Dakota since last year’s growing season. While producers welcome a spell of dry weather for planting spring crops at this time of year, recent moisture will not be enough to carry through the growing season.
2024 Annual Climate Review
The final climate numbers are in for 2024. Learn what the year brought for temperatures, precipitation, and drought conditions throughout the state.
Climate, Weather and Fire/Fuels Update: October 2, 2023
Across South Dakota, some localized storms and showers brought rain in many parts of the state last week, while weekly average temperatures were two to ten degrees above typical for this time of year.
End of Summer 2023 Climate Outlook
A recent run of warm temperatures and dry conditions in South Dakota has accelerated drought concerns, but some good news lies ahead in the NOAA’s 2023 end of summer climate outlook.
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.
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.
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.
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!