Drought is tightening its grip on South Dakota and neighboring states across the High Plains. Recent data from the latest Drought Monitor reveals a sharp increase in drought-affected areas, with nearly 400,000 people in South Dakota now living under drought conditions.

According to the latest drought monitor released on October 2nd, regions are primarily south of Interstate 90.

Already this year, many fire departments have been called to fight a number of wildland and grassland fires throughout South Dakota.