As drought conditions have expanded across much of the northern plains, weather experts are asking for help to gather more real time information.
South Dakota State Climatologist Laura Edwards says they need more reports on rainfall…….

Edwards says there are big gaps in the coverage they have now….

Some federal livestock disaster programs depend on the D2 and D3 drought designations through the federal Drought Monitor.
Edwards says those additional ground observations could help speed up those designations and payments…..

Edwards says federal funding for additional ground observations points has been cut back year to year.