YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)-Despite occasional snowstorms that blow through the region, the dominant climate factor in the northern plains is drought.

Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford moderated the latest North Central Region Climate update.

Ford says the dry conditions started early last fall.

Ford says the outlooks don’t offer much relief.

Soil moisture is also depleted across much of the region after several years of above normal precipitation and flooding.