STURGIS, S.D. – The latest U.S. Drought Monitor was released today, and extreme drought conditions expanded a bit across far western South Dakota.

Western Meade County, including Sturgis, remained in extreme drought with all of Lawrence County now falling under the same category.

Western Pennington County, the majority of Custer and all of Fall River County are also under extreme drought.

Severe drought expanded eastward into central Meade County and northern Meade County is showing signs of moderate drought.

Central and southeastern Pennington County show severe drought conditions, as does southwestern Jackson and western Bennett counties.