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.