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Outlook Is For Dry Conditions In Eastern South Dakota

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) — Forecasters say drought conditions are likely for much of eastern South Dakota this spring.

That assessment from a seasonal drought outlook by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center mirrors the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map. It showed an expansion of moderate drought in the northeastern counties of Brown, Day, Clark, Codington and Deuel.

South Dakota State Climatologist says nine eastern South Dakota counties already are showing some drought conditions. Those include drier-than-average soil moisture from a lack of rain last fall and reductions in surface water supplies, especially in stock ponds for cattle because of limited snowfall and spring runoff.

SDSU Extension Climate Field Specialist Laura Edwards says the April climate forecast is one factor considered in the seasonal drought outlook, and the forecast suggests lower-than-average precipitation.