BROOKINGS, S.D.(WNAX)- While a more active weather pattern may bring rain and thundershowers to the region this week, the long-term trends look to be a problem.

South Dakota State Climatologist Laura Edwards says those trends continue to point toward warmer and drier conditions.

Edwards says it would take a long rainy pattern to break the drought.

Edwards says areas of the northern plains are already feeling the impacts of the ongoing drought.

The worst dry conditions now extend from northern South Dakota across much of North Dakota.