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Drought monitor shows improving conditions in South Dakota

The drought monitor issued Aug. 11, 2023 shows decreasing drought conditions across eastern South Dakota.
U.S. Drought Monitor
The drought monitor issued Aug. 11, 2023 shows decreasing drought conditions across eastern South Dakota.

Recent heavy rains are resulting in improved drought conditions across South Dakota.

The latest drought monitor issued Thursday shows only one-third of the state facing dry conditions. That’s the lowest rate since June of 2020, according to historical data.

The eastern third of the state still faces moderate drought. The driest areas are centered around Sioux Falls in the southeast and Milbank in the northeast.

The boost in conditions comes after a major rainfall dropped several inches of rain across wide swaths of the state Saturday.