Drought Information Statement for Central/Northeast SD & West Central MN Valid: August 20, 2026 Issued By: National Weather Service Aberdeen, SD Contact Information: w-abr.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated by Sep 24, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/abr/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates. EXTREME DROUGHT (D3) CONDITIONS EXPANDING ACROSS PORTIONS OF NORTH CENTRAL & NORTHWEST SOUTH DAKOTA. AGRICULTURAL & LIVESTOCK/PASTURE IMPACTS CONTINUE. U.S. Drought Monitor The latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Central/Northeast SD & West Central MN Drought Intensity and Extent D3 (Extreme Drought): Western Corson, portions of Dewey, Potter, and Sully counties. D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of Corson, Dewey, Potter, and Sully counties, and surrounding area. D1 (Moderate Drought): Portions of central SD, also parts of west central MN. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Much of central SD, parts of northeast SD and west central MN. Recent Change in Drought Intensity The latest 4-week change map for Central/Northeast SD & West Central MN 4-Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Worsened: Portions of Corson & Dewey counties saw a 2-class to 3-class degradation in drought conditions. Parts of central & northeast SD saw a 1-class degradation. Drought Improved: Portions of south central, northeast SD & west central MN saw a 1-class improvement. 1-Week Drought Monitor Class Change No change noted across the Aberdeen County Warning Area (CWA). Precipitation: Past 30 Days Only 25-50% of normal precipitation over north central SD during the past 30 days. Less than 25% in some cases. This area aligns with current D2 to D3 drought conditions. Spotty thunderstorms brought isolated pockets of wetness. Temperature 7-day temperature anomalies (ending 8/16) are slightly below normal over central SD; slightly above normal over eastern SD. 30-day anomalies 4-6 degrees above normal across north central SD (D2/D3 drought area). Hot/above normal temperatures have exacerbated drought conditions. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Below normal streamflows across portions of north central South Dakota. A below normal runoff is forecast by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Missouri River, with water conservation measures in place for the reservoir system. Agricultural Impacts Crop stress across north central SD noted in corn, wheat, and beans. Yield losses expected. Stock ponds drying up and becoming poor water quality. Reduced pasture forage; supplemental feed needed. Statewide corn condition rated 28 percent poor or very poor. Pasture & Range condition rated 66 percent poor or very poor. Fire Hazard Impacts Windy days combined with drying fuels over central SD bring elevated to critical fire danger at times. Mitigation Actions SD Drought Task Force initiated May 6, 2026. SD Governor issued Executive Order 2026-10 to expand SD Wildland Fire assistance and resources to help rural departments outside the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. In addition, the Governor extended the provisions of Executive Order 2026-08 on flexibility for hay hauling. Other Impacts/Mitigation Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. Agricultural Impacts Crop stress across north central SD noted in corn, beans, and wheat. Yield losses expected. Percentage of crop affected by drought Stock ponds drying up and showing poor water quality. Reduced pasture forage; supplemental feed needed. Fire Hazard Impacts Numerous grass fires across SD in July and August. Periods of strong winds and low humidity bringing elevated to critical fire danger, mainly over central SD. Seven-Day Precipitation Forecast Forecast precipitation for August 20-27 is generally between 0.10in and 0.50in across the region. Localized amounts above 0.50in across central/south central SD. Locally higher amounts in any heavier thunderstorms. Minimal amounts of precipitation forecast for the D3 drought area across north central and northwest SD. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Precipitation outlook for September is “equal chances” for above or below normal. Temperature outlook for September is “equal chances” for above or below normal. “Equal Chances” means there is no clear climate signal to favor one outcome over another. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought conditions forecast to persist across central SD, as well as portions of west central MN. This is valid through November 30, 2026.