BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — This week’s storm in the Dakotas that dropped several inches of wet snow helped ease drought conditions, with the biggest impact in South Dakota.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows moderate-to-severe drought in South Dakota decreased over the week from 57 percent to 41 percent.

In North Dakota, the drop was less significant, from 65 percent to 62 percent.

The Drought Monitor says the biggest reduction in drought was in the east-central portion of the Dakotas, with smaller improvements farther west.

Photo courtesy of Rick Bohn.