SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — It’s normal to see a dry cycle in KELOLAND during August, but the need for some more substantial moisture is still growing across the west.
The new drought monitor released this morning shows another uptick in the moderate and severe drought conditions in western South Dakota. 22 percent of the state is now considered in drought, up from 16 percent the week prior.
Cooler temperatures in the forecast will be helpful, but those deficits will continue to get bigger the next few days.
The 30-day rainfall map shows several pockets of yellow and orange, signaling below-normal rainfall in several areas.
Still, the carry-over moisture from the early summer is shielding any major expansion of drought for now.
The extended forecast should offer more scattered thunderstorms next week, with the hope of slowing down the expanding drought across the west.
