Widespread drought conditions, which began in February, continued into and through September. Much of Central South Dakota benefited from above average rainfall and thus a slight improvement in drought, thanks in large part to a widespread heavy rain event on the 2nd. However, severe to extreme drought persisted across north central South Dakota, as slightly below average precipitation fell. Temperatures were between 1 and 4 degrees above normal for the month on the whole. Around the start of the month, 72% of the NWS Aberdeen's forecast area was in D2/D3 (31% in just D3), but that percentage dropped to 57% (5%) by the end of the month.
As of the middle of the month, drought continued to adversely impact agriculture and hydrology. The National Agriculture Statistics Service reported a modest improvement in topsoil and subsoil moisture across South Dakota, while corn, soybean and pasture & range conditions were rated 44%, 41% and 80% poor to very poor, respectively. Additionally, increased whitetail deer kill had been observed across Central South Dakota. This is due to an increase in midge flies, which carry disease, as there's been greater areas of mud flat exposure for breeding.

Drought in CORSON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in DEWEY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in STANLEY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in JONES, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in CAMPBELL, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in WALWORTH, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in POTTER, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in SULLY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in HUGHES, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in LYMAN, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in MCPHERSON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in EDMUNDS, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in FAULK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in HAND, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in HYDE, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in BUFFALO, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in BROWN, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in SPINK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in DEUEL, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 01-SEP-21 00:00:00 to 20-SEP-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor