PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The latest drought monitor shows severe dry conditions continuing to expand over much of western and northern South Dakota.

State Climatologist Laura Edwards says Lemmon is at the center of the dry area.

Edwards says many of those areas are showing big moisture deficits for the year.

Edwards says a warm and dry fall last year also sapped the soil moisture out of those areas.

Edwards says the outlooks for May show a better chance for rain through the middle of the month.