The latest drought monitor came out this morning and the drought has worsened ever so slightly across the state. For the first time in the monitor era (or at least since 1999 which is how far the monitor archives go back) exceptional drought or D4 drought has made its way into the state. Only 2.4% of the state is currently in D4 drought at this time. This is in the Big Sioux River valley from Sioux City northward along the river toward Sioux Falls. 60+% is in at least D3 (Extreme) drought with the rest in D2 or severe drought. This monitor did NOT include the rainfall that fell Tuesday night into Wednesday however but given that, it would have likely only kept the D4 drought out and nothing else would have changed. Some showers and thunderstorms are possible later tonight into early tomorrow morning, after that it looks dry but cooler for a few days with a slow warming trend into next week.