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of 42.3 degrees F." 
• Edwards adds that the combined months of March and April 2013 were among the coldest on record.
• "Several locations in the eastern side of the state went from the warmest spring on record in 2012 to the coldest in 2013," she said.
• According to data, Huron went from its warmest March and April on record in 2012, to the fifth coldest in 2013. Last year, Sioux Falls was second warmest on record, and this year tied for fifth coldest March and April. In the northeast, Aberdeen, Watertown, Sisseton and Wheaton all recorded their coldest March and April combination on record.
• "Watertown even edged out a record set back in 1899 with an average temperature of 26.8 degrees F over the two-month period," Edwards said.
• Eighteen climate sites in western South Dakota ranked in the top 10 snowiest Aprils. Rapid City set a new April total snowfall record with 43.1", while establishing several daily records along the way. Interior also set a new April snowfall record with 32.5".
• "They also recorded the highest monthly snowfall for any month at these two locations," she said.
• Edwards adds that South Dakotans can still expect May flowers after April snow.
• "Signs of spring are starting to appear as bulbs and some tree buds are already emerging in backyard gardens following the brief warm weekend on April 27-28," Edwards said.
• She adds that the cooler than average conditions will carry into early May, but should turn to a warmer weather pattern by mid-month. In the early part of May, increased chances of wetter than average conditions are projected for the southeastern corner of the state, but then a drier pattern will settle in after a week or so.
• "The forecast for the first week of the month is certainly more winter-like, as snow fell on May 1 in the southeast, but now that it has melted the soils can warm up quickly as soon as the air temperatures increase," she said.
• Data from the state climate office weather network shows soil temperatures in the mid to upper-40s degrees F at 4-inch depth across the southern half of South Dakota. In the north, 4-inch deep soil temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees F. At 2- inches deep, soil temperatures are hovering around 45 to 50 degrees F in most areas. Edwards says soil temperatures have fallen a bit the last few days, but can quickly turn around this time of year, so corn and soybean planting is on the verge of moving full speed ahead.
• South Dakota soil temperatures can be found here: http://climate.sdstate.edu/awdn/maps/soilmaps.asp?parameter=s010.
• To read more articles about South Dakota's climate, visit www.iGrow.org.