Drought in Buffalo, South Dakota

Drought conditions persist, with limited improvement, across portions of north-central and south-central South Dakota through the month of January. In north-central South Dakota, the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Mesonet stations near Lantry, Parade, and La Plant recorded only about a quarter-inch of moisture or less. The McLaughlin COOP observer reported just 0.16 inches of moisture for the month. In south-central South Dakota, the Murdo COOP observed 0.57 inches of moisture equivalent from 8.6 inches of snow. However, this was a standout observation, as the SDSU Mesonet station 12 miles south of Vivian recorded only 0.18 inches of moisture, while the station 6 miles south-southeast of Kennebec reported just 0.16 inches.