According to the USDA's Drought Monitor, eastern South Dakota received some of that precipitation lessening the severity of drought conditions from a category D-3 to D-2. In northern North Dakota, precipitation fell as eight to eighteen inches of heavy snow. In contrast, recent dryness in north-central South Dakota made drought conditions worse. The Drought Monitor reports that more snow and rain will be needed in the coming winter months if croplands will have adequate moisture for next year's growing season.

Al Van Zee