(Climate) We are working into the
middle of April and we should be starting to see increases in precipitation
across the state but it just isn’t quite working out that way. A few areas of
the state did get some moisture this week and the biggest winners were
generally on a line from southwestern to northeastern SD where a few tenths to
over a half an inch fell. Spotty precipitation was also found over northwestern
and southeastern SD but only a few hundredths to a tenth or two was recorded in
those areas. Temperatures largely hovered around seasonal averages.
There was no
change in the US Drought Monitor last week. (Darren Clabo)
(Weather)
Forecast Highlights:
A massive spring blizzard
will impact the northern Great Plains this week but unfortunately the
beneficial moisture from it will be mostly over ND leaving SD mostly dry but
pretty breezy. Temperatures today will range from the 40s over northern SD to
the low 60s over southern SD. Winds north of I-90 will be light and variable
but south of the interstate, southerly winds with gusts to 25+ mph are
possible. Minimum RH will range from 35% north to 15% south. A strong low
pressure and cold front will race across the state tomorrow (this is the low
associated with the blizzard expected over ND). This will lead to southeasterly
winds in the morning becoming westerly to northwesterly by the afternoon. Gusts
could exceed 55 mph over central and western SD. Temperatures will range
greatly will the cold front: eastern SD will get into the 60s before the front
passes while western SD likely won’t get out of the 30s and 40s. Look for
temperature drops and winds shifting to the NW after frontal passage. Heavy snow
will be possible over far northwestern and extreme northern SD while the rest
of the state sees widely scattered rain/snow showers. Wednesday through Friday will
bring breezy northwesterly winds with gusts to 35+ mph. Highs will be in the
20/30s over western SD and 30s/40s over eastern SD each day. A few snow showers
will linger over northern SD on both Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures will
warm this weekend but how much they will warm remains a question: another low
pressure looks to move through the state so we’ll have to monitor the changes
due to this new system.
Potential
for critical conditions:
Critical
fire weather conditions are in place over southcentral SD today. There is
potential for more critical fire conditions over the southern half of the state
tomorrow as the front pushes through. Be sure to look at your local forecast to
determine your risk. Elevated fire danger is also possible on Sunday. (Darren
Clabo)
(Fire/Fuels) The Wabash Springs Fire that occurred on April 7th burned
111 acres. The fire was driven by strong winds in an open pine stand. The grass
burned very well but was checked up by any area that had been mowed previously
and had some green component to it. No torching of trees was observed. Most of
the Black Hills has seen a little moisture or will have potential for more in
the next few days. With the cooler temps and chances of precipitation I do not
foresee any fire issues this week. (John Haskvitz)
*** NOTE: Next update on Tuesday, April 19 ***
