2023: Warmer and Drier Than Normal

2023 was a warmer than normal and drier than normal year across the Tri-State area, as well as much of the Central United States. Average temperature departures between 1 and 3 degrees were reported. Large precipitation deficits took place across portions of eastern Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, as well as much of the states of Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and further east into the Ohio River Valley. According to data from the Southeastern Regional Climate Center Perspectives mapping interface, many areas east of the Rockies experienced a top 10 warmest year on record, with locations along the Gulf Coast near their warmest years on record. Precipitation, while more variable, showed considerable departures from normal throughout the United States. You can interact with the maps and data by visiting the Southeastern Regional Climate Center.

Average Temperature Departure from Mean	Accumulated Precipitation Departure from Mean

Annual Temperature Rankings	Annual Precipitation Departures (Interact)

Closer to the Tri State area, precipitation was below normal for much of the area. The largest departures were found in portions of southwestern Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and eastern South Dakota, with a precipitation departure of 9" in the Sioux Falls area. The large 2023 precipitation departure from normal in Sioux Falls marked the 15th driest year on record (back to the 1890s). Temperatures throughout the Tri-State area were above normal, with annual departures as many as 1-3 degrees above normal. The year was marked by two months with very large departures. A very cold and snowy February, March, and early April led to large below normal temperature departures. However, December 2023 was also the warmest month on record for the Tri-State area.

2023 Annual Precipitation Departures From Normal

2023 Local Departure From Normal Precipitation

Sioux Falls 2023 Temperatures	Sioux City 2023 Temperatures

Huron 2023 Temperatures	Mitchell 2023 Temperatures