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for eastern, especially southeastern, South Dakota for May through September, Edwards said.
• Some climate models have begun to show signs of wetter conditions, starting in May.
• She added that the projections of wetter than average May could help crops get off to a good start.
• "The shallow soil moisture across the region has only been minimally replenished by snowmelt. This last winter has been below average for snowfall, with virtually no notable major snowfall events since the devastating blizzard in October," Edwards said. "With the exception of the Black Hills, most of the state has only received about 50 to 90 percent of average precipitation over the last three months."
• The seasonal drought outlook for the U.S. was also released this week.
• "At this time, there is no indication that drought will develop in South Dakota through the month of June," Edwards said. "The cooler and potential wetter, conditions that are forecast will reduce any potential for drought in the spring season."