Rapid City is experiencing its second warmest fall on record. This fall’s average temperature is 55 degrees, which is the warmest since 1963.
Kyle Carstens is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Rapid City and said the warm temperatures are prolonging drought conditions.
“Fortunately or unfortunately, this time of year we don't get a lot of moisture," he said. "So, you know, we will never make a big dent in the drought.”
Carstens says temperatures should cool down next week and said late winter and spring are when the state usually gets the most moisture.
“That's where we're gonna really make a big dent in the drought conditions," he said. "It's surprising how quick things can recover. But it takes, you know, some pretty good wet storms to do it. And we're just not seeing that in the near future.”
The majority of South Dakota is currently experiencing abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions.
