Driest August on Record at Several Locations (through 8/26)

August 2013 currently (though 8/26) ranks as one of the driest on record at several locations across the Aberdeen forecast area. Figure 1 below provides a graphical estimation of the accumulated rainfall over the past 30 days (07/28/13 – 08/27/13). Note that the driest locations are generally found in and along the James River Valley, where less than 0.25” of rainfall has fallen.

Figure 1: Estimated Rainfall over the Last 30 Days

In addition, a tabular listing of several locations that rank as either the record driest or second driest on record are listed below.

Aberdeen, SD

Rank	Value	Year
1	0.05	2013*
2	0.06	1947
3	0.24	1996
4	0.33	1970
5	0.44	1982

Ipswich, SD

Rank	Value	Year
1	0.11	2013*
2	0.18	1972
3	0.19	1996
4	0.22	1922
5	0.36	1947

Columbia (4N), SD - (Sand Lake Refuge)

Rank	Value	Year
1	0.06	2013*
2	0.25	1970
3	0.43	1961
4	0.52	1997
5	0.61	1979

Watertown, SD

Rank	Value	Year
1	0.39	1907
2	0.48	2013*
3	0.50	2001
4	0.57	1915
5	0.62	1962

Webster, SD

Rank	Value	Year
1	0.29	1970
2	0.37	2013*
3	0.83	1958
4	0.88	2001
5	0.91	1976

* This data is preliminary as there are still several days left in August 2013. This chart will be updated as time allows.