Drought worsens, flu spreads: A tough season for South Dakota

Hospitals and farmers strained by challenging conditions

All of South Dakota is in a moderate drought (light orange) or higher, with the southwestern parts of the state in extreme drought. (U.S. Drought Monitor)

Winter has left South Dakota high and dry this year, raising red flags about drought as farmers prepare for the coming planting season, meteorological experts say.

The numbers tell a stark story.

According to the National Weather Service, Sioux Falls has accumulated just 15.7 inches of snow since last fall. Normal totals reach nearly 38 inches, according to historical weather data. Records show that comparable drought conditions date back to 1987.