High temperatures and low rainfall are making South Dakota’s drought worse. Recent temperatures in much of the state have been in the upper 80s and 90s with little to no rain. 

Laura Edwards is the state climatologist. She says current conditions are the worst since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.  

“So, we're seeing some record dry years; first, second, third-ranking dry years now in that southeast corner of the state.” 

Edwards says crops and gardens in the region are showing signs of heat damage and reduced yield. 

This story comes from a recent interview on SDPB's weekday radio program, "In the Moment." Listen to the full interview below.