• BROOKINGS, S.D. - As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." But what does April snow bring? In the case of spring 2013 in South Dakota, much needed moisture and some relief from drought, says Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension Climate Field Specialist.
• "I have a glass half-full perspective and think that the unending winter has really helped to improve soil moisture for the growing season," Edwards said. "Snow and cool temperatures in April can reduce moisture lost to runoff, and more of the snowmelt went into replenishing the dry soils from the fall. Flooding is very limited and localized, which tells me that most of the snowmelt was able to infiltrate the soils."
• She points to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which has shown gradual improvements in nearly every corner of the state, with the exception of north central counties from Perkins to Campbell and Walworth Counties.
• "These areas have held steady with some degradations in conditions last month. Things have been looking up for most of the cropping areas, and the water supply in the Black Hills in April," Edwards said. "The U.S. Drought Monitor map has shown at least one category improvement, reflecting the moisture and cool temperatures that helped keep the moisture in the ground."
• The National Weather Service offices in South Dakota have reported that in April numerous record cold temperatures were set - in addition to snowfall and precipitation records.
• "Fifteen climate sites in western South Dakota ranked in the top 10 coldest Aprils on record," she said. "Interior tied its coldest April ever with an average temperature

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