(From Todd Epp, Northern Plains News)
Sioux Falls recorded its third-lowest seasonal snowfall on record this winter with just 16.1 inches, nearly 30 inches below the normal 45.3 inches.
The 2024-2025 winter marked the first time since 2012 that Sioux Falls received less than 20 inches of snow. The last comparable shortfall occurred in 2011-2012 when the city recorded 15.9 inches.
Peter Rogers, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, wrote in a PowerPoint dated May 22 that the region faces continuing drought challenges heading into summer despite recent rainfall improvements.
“Seasonal snowfall for the 24-25 year was below normal by over two feet,” Rogers wrote in the presentation.
Current Drought Conditions
The snowfall deficit compounds existing drought conditions across South Dakota. As of May 13, approximately 58 percent of the state remains under drought conditions, with 42 percent classified as abnormally dry.
Spring rains between April 1 and May 8 helped reduce drought coverage from 100 percent to 58 percent statewide. However, precipitation levels remain below normal across the region.
Since October 1, Sioux Falls has received 9.06 inches of precipitation, running 3.73 inches below normal for the water year. Yankton reports the largest deficit, at 5.09 inches below normal, while Mitchell sits 1.09 inches below average.
Impact on Daily Life
The drought affects South Dakotans beyond farms and ranches. Home gardens and lawns will likely need extra irrigation this summer to survive limited rainfall. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, drought conditions often trigger utilities to implement drought rates, with “higher levels of drought result[ing] in higher prices for water in order to encourage conservation.”
Food prices may increase if crop yields suffer. The USDA Economic Research Service reports that drought-driven cattle liquidations historically drive beef prices higher. During the 2011-2015 drought, the national beef cattle herd shrank 1 to 2 percent annually, contributing to record cattle prices in 2014.
Communities may face water restrictions if conditions worsen. Municipal water supplies depend on adequate precipitation to recharge reservoirs and aquifers. Many cities implement mandatory conservation measures during drought, from limiting lawn watering schedules to restricting nonessential water use.
Summer Outlook Remains Grim
The outlook offers little relief for farmers and ranchers. The National Weather Service’s three-month forecast for June through August shows higher chances for above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation.
“Every drop of moisture will matter for the 2025 growing season,” according to South Dakota State University Extension’s May 2025 Drought and Climate Update. The report notes that May typically contributes 11 to 20 percent of annual precipitation.
Other cities face similar deficits. Huron recorded 8.32 inches of precipitation this water year, 2.12 inches below normal. Sioux City measured 10.63 inches, down 2.69 inches from average.
The Climate Prediction Center indicates drought will likely persist or develop across the region through August 31. The agency’s seasonal drought outlook shows no areas of expected improvement for South Dakota.
The forecast shows higher chances for below-normal precipitation continuing through early June.
For agricultural producers dealing with reduced soil moisture from the dry winter, the forecast signals difficult decisions about stocking rates and grazing management lie ahead.
The NWS also announced terminology changes for extreme heat warnings this summer. “Excessive heat warnings” will become “extreme heat warnings” when heat index values reach 105 degrees or higher. Heat advisories remain unchanged at heat index values of 100 to 104 degrees.
