Figure 1. Departure from normal precipitation for December 2011. This precipitation map includes rain and snow water equivalent.  Source: High Plains Regional Climate Center

Although 2011 was a year to be remembered for record flooding, the last 5 months of the year have been much drier than normal, a welcome change for many who delayed field work or wanted to get a few more outdoor chores done before a deep snow cover locked them in.  December 2011 continued the trend of the last several months, and was both warmer and drier than normal across South Dakota.  Many climate observing sites placed in the top ten warmest and/or driest December on record last month, according to preliminary data.

Mid-month brought a warm streak that elevated temperatures at many locations into the 60s, setting many single-day high temperature records.  Overall the lack of snow cover made for pleasant conditions, and field work continued through late December for many areas of the state.  In northeastern South Dakota, many sites recorded average temperatures of 10 degrees or more above normal for the month.  These locations include DeSmet, nearly 12 degrees above normal for a monthly average temperature of 28.6 degrees, a new December record.  Also Sisseton, Britton, Webster and Victor all measured between 10-11 degrees above the monthly normal temperature.

Little to no snow fell across the state in December. As of December 31, only a small area of western South Dakota had any measurable snow on the ground at all.  A burn ban was set into place the last week of the month in some areas, particularly northeastern South Dakota, due to the abnormally dry conditions.  Eight locations ended the month in their top ten driest Decembers on record for total precipitation (which includes both rain and snow).  This includes such sites as Wessington Springs, Oelrichs, Wilmot, Murdo, Lake Sharpe Project, and Waubay National Wildlife Refuge.  Lake Sharpe Project was among the locations that had only a trace of precipitation for the month. 

For more information on the current dry start to the winter season in northeastern South Dakota and how it compares to past dry winters, visit the National Weather Service’s website for their Aberdeen Weather Forecast Office.