Much of western South Dakota is facing worsening drought conditions as rainfall totals across the Northern Hills continue to lag well behind normal levels.
According to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, communities across the region have received significantly less precipitation this year compared to both 2025 and long-term averages.
In Spearfish, just over seven inches of moisture has been recorded so far this year, down from nearly 13 inches at the same point last year. Lead has received nearly 12 inches of precipitation, compared to 17 inches one year ago and an average of about 16 inches annually.
Downtown Rapid City has seen just over five and a half inches of moisture this year, well below both last year’s total and the long-term average. In Newell, precipitation has fallen below five inches, less than half of the area’s typical amount for this point in the year.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that roughly 86 percent of South Dakota is experiencing some level of drought, with about 18 percent classified as severe, extreme, or exceptional drought. Much of the Black Hills is currently considered to be in extreme drought conditions.
National Weather Service hydrologist Melissa Smith says the dry conditions are increasing fire danger across the region. She says a lack of moisture in the American Southwest has reduced the flow of weather systems that typically bring rainfall into South Dakota during the summer months.
Smith warns that ongoing drought conditions will significantly increase the potential for dangerous wildfires across the Black Hills.
Forecasters also expect temperatures to continue climbing through August, adding further stress to already dry conditions.
