The climate outlook for the spring season has increased concern for drought to continue in South Dakota. SDSU Extension State Climatologist Laura Edwards says the U.S. Drought Monitor shows two-thirds of the state in either moderate or severe drought.

And she says the climate outlook has odds leaning toward warmer and drier than average for most of the state through August.

Edwards is also concerned because April through June comprise nearly half of annual precipitation, depending on location in the state.

The dry conditions are persisting as a result of La Nina and she says it has stayed strong much longer than normal.