MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — A relatively quiet start to the 2025-26 winter season has parts of South Dakota trending drier again, according to the latest drought map.
The final U.S. Drought Monitor report for 2025, dated Dec. 30, shows 30.72% of South Dakota in abnormally dry (D0) conditions and 7.42% in moderate drought (D1) — meaning about 38% of the state is at least abnormally dry (D0 or worse).
The report lists no areas of severe drought (D2) or worse statewide at that time.
A Watertown-area report said the abnormally dry area extends into southern parts of Codington County, while the moderate drought area is confined to the state’s southeast corner.
For the Mitchell area, Davison County shows fewer than 0.1% of residents affected by drought (D1 or worse) on Drought.gov’s county conditions page.
Readers can view the full South Dakota category breakdown from the U.S. Drought Monitor here: U.S. Drought Monitor — South Dakota (Dec. 30, 2025). droughtmonitor.unl.edu
