SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Northern Black Hills received a welcome dose of rain over the weekend, bringing much-needed moisture to an area still dealing with severe drought conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, some of the highest totals included 2.72 inches in Piedmont, 2.51 inches east of Sturgis, and just over 2 inches near Whitewood. Rapid City received three-quarters of an inch, while Spearfish officially recorded 0.65 inches and Lead received a third of an inch.
Despite the rainfall, drought conditions remain a concern across western South Dakota. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that most of the Black Hills continues to be classified in extreme drought, with much of the region still experiencing severe drought or worse.
Spearfish remains below average for precipitation this summer, receiving less rainfall than normal in July, August and September.
Forecasters say the recent rain is helpful, but significantly more moisture will be needed to make a lasting impact on drought conditions across the region.
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