RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Despite the snow and rain South Dakota experienced earlier this week, parts of the state are in a moderate to severe drought. State fire meteorologist Darren Clabo says the precipitation will pause the drought situation, but not for very long. He says temperatures were cold enough in higher elevations to kill vegetation, making the those areas more receptive to fire in the coming days and weeks.

Clabo says lower-elevation prairies saw more rain and still remain dry. The southwestern corner of the state is in a severe drought, while areas to the west and in the northeast and southeast are in a moderate drought.