Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews Jan 28, 2021 1:59 PM The latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate outlook shows the dry conditions in South Dakota won’t improve in the next few months. SDSU Extension State Climatologist Laura Edwards says the most recent US Drought Monitor map (Jan. 21) shows over 60% of the state in Moderate (D1) to Extreme (D3) drought categories. She says the remaining nearly 40% is in the Abnormally Dry (D0) category. Three months ago, only 42% of the state was in the Moderate to Extreme drought categories Edwards says lack of precipitation recently has made a dry situation worse, as soil and surface water are also evaporating during this abnormally warm winter. She says the lack of snow cover is not able to protect winter wheat from possible frost damage, should areas see extreme cold temperatures.