The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center has released its June climate outlook, but it’s not giving much guidance to climate forecasters as to what weather is ahead for South Dakota.
SDSU Extension State Climatologist Laura Edwards says the outlook projected equal chances of warmer, cooler or near average temperatures for the month of June. She says the mixed signals continue into the summer with the outlook for July and August also showing equal chances of warmer, cooler or near average temperatures for all of South Dakota with the exception of the far western edge of the state. In the far west, there is a slightly enhanced chance of warmer than average temperatures over the three summer months.
Edwards says the projections for precipitation seem to be more consistent. The latest outlook calls for increased chances of wetter than average conditions in June, July and August, particularly in the eastern half of South Dakota. She says in the latter half of the summer, the western half may shift toward equal chances of wetter, drier or near average moisture.
Early season emergence of field crops appears to be good overall. Edwards says the outlook for wetter than average conditions in the summer months could indicate continued sufficient moisture for these crops, while near average temperatures could reduce long-term heat stress and avoid drought.
Edwards says for home gardeners, the increased chances for precipitation could reduce the need for hand watering and sprinklers, but could require increased lawn management. Gardens should see rapid growth soon, as the risk of frost is likely in the past.
