• Brookings, S.D. - The transition season of fall is approaching, and with it we look forward to a change to cooler temperatures - although not too cool, according to the most recent climate outlook for September from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, says Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension Climate Field Specialist.
• "The long term trend of above normal temperatures across the heartland, including South Dakota, in addition to below normal soil moisture, will continue to play a role in the next month," Edwards said.
Edwards says both of these factors will contribute to likely warmer than average temperatures in September, and this trend is projected to be likely through the fall season.
• "The latest outlook indicates equal chances of below-, near- and above-average rainfall for September," Edwards said.
• Edwards says the exception is the far southeastern corner of the state, which is depicted as having higher probability of drier than normal conditions. If rainfall does indeed end up near average for September, the pressure of drought could be reduced.
• She is cautiously optimistic that drought conditions will improve as the fall season approaches.
• "The NOAA seasonal drought outlook indicates drought relief likely through the middle of the state," she said.
• A swath stretching from west to east is projected to have some improvement over the next three months, according to the map released this morning. The U.S. Drought Monitor this week shows continued improvement in north central South Dakota, with a one-category improvement to Abnormally Dry in McPherson and Edmund counties. Another small area that has experienced some recent rains is in Kingsbury and Brookings counties.
• At first, the warmer than average temperatures and drought relief may appear contradictory, explains Dennis Todey, South Dakota State Climatologist.
• "Climatologists are also considering the gradual reduction in water demand by crops and natural vegetation in this outlook," Todey said. "In the fall season, water demand is reduced and the seasonally cooler temperatures allow for recharge/retention of soil moisture. Even if temperatures are warmer than average, they will still be cooler that what we have seen this summer. That alone will provide some improvement in the drought."
• Row crops, grasses and gardens are beginning to adjust to cooler and (in some

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