STURGIS, S.D. – The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows portions of South Dakota continue to experience varying levels of drought and abnormally dry conditions as a heatwave is set to affect much of the state. The map was released Thursday, July 9, using data collected through July 7. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 86 percent of the state remains classified from abnormally dry (D0) to more severe drought categories, and just over 4 percent, mostly in the southwest corner of the state experiencing extreme drought. Sturgis and southwestern Meade County remain in D2, or severe drought, along with central Pennington County, northern Lawrence County and eastern Custer County. The southwest corner of the state remains in extreme, or D3, drought. Central Meade County is listed in moderate drought with northern Meade County listed as abnormally dry. Drought conditions eased a bit in the Yankton area of southeastern South Dakota. Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More