South Dakota Shows Improvement According To Latest Drought Monitor

We seemingly haven’t been able to stretch the legs and enjoy the sun much this spring in South Dakota.  Actually, that’s a good thing because after a dry 2012, soil conditions are improving for 2013.

For the first time this year, 5 percent of the land in South Dakota registered normal moisture conditions.  If that statistic means nothing to you, consider that one year ago, the Rushmore state had 75 percent of its land in the normal to wet moisture category.

In addition, the second-worst category of drought (D3) shrank to just under 6 percent of the land mass in the state.  At the end of February 2013, over 60 percent of South Dakota was in the Extreme Drought category.

Count your blessings for those who care for outdoor plants of any kind.  The road back from the powdery conditions of last year is at least getting closer to the desired destination.  Weather forecasts through the Memorial Day weekend show numerous chances of rain.  So look for the map to get a little more white as the rains keep coming.