(Climate) It was another dry week
across South Dakota, with drought continuing its grip on the state. Most of the
state had no precipitation at all. Some far western areas received about
one-tenth of an inch. In the north, from Mobridge to the Minnesota state line, there
was one event that brought one-tenth to two-tenths of an inch of moisture, with
as much as one-third inch in Roberts county.
Air temperatures were above average for the week. The southwest was about three to six degrees above average. Along the Missouri River, from north to south, was nine to fifteen degrees above average, and the northeast was six to twelve degrees above average.
The warm air temperatures and lack of snow cover has warmed soil temperature as well. As of this writing, the southwest quarter of the state is frost-free. The remaining locations still have frost, but soil temperatures through the profile are just below freezing and could thaw with a continuation of warmer-than-average air temperatures. (Laura Edwards)
(Weather)
Forecast Highlights:
There
is some uncertainty regarding the forecast for the weekend, but it is looking
warmer/drier once again. Highs will likely be back up into the 60s but the
details on how far the warmth will spread are not yet clear. Precipitation will
be hard to come by this week although a few rain/snow showers are possible over
eastern SD later tonight and there is a slight chance of a shower over the
Black Hills on Thursday.
Potential
for critical conditions:
Near
critical fire weather conditions are expected today through Friday with the
strong northwesterly winds in the forecast. Minimum RHs will likely not dip to critical
thresholds but they will be close. Any fire that does start will have potential
to get large, especially over the prairies of western and central SD. (Darren
Clabo)
(Fire/Fuels) Once again fuels remain uncovered (and cured) over most of
the state, except for the higher elevations of the Black Hills and the far
northeastern portion of South Dakota. The drought monitor hasn’t changed since
last week. All western South Dakota is in a D1 drought with the northwestern
portion of the state in D2. There is still the potential for piles to escape if
there is wind present, but I foresee the potential going down day by day. With
the warmer temperatures, there are areas that are starting to show the
beginning of Spring green up.
Talking with the Burn Boss from the
Antihorse RX that was conducted on Sunday, March 20th the burn went well. This
burn was 15 miles west of Custer. He stated that they used a lot of head fire.
The dead and down consumed very well. The grass didn’t burn very well in the
morning but once temps came up and RHs came down it burned well. They struggled
with the draws, any timber stands with a lot of shading, and north aspects due
to moisture. (John Haskvitz)