Factors In Evaporation

The amount of time it will take for parts of KELOLAND to dry up depends on three factors: air temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

Evaporation rates increase as the temperature increases. Studies show that when the temperatures climbs 50 degrees, the evaporation rate doubles. So as the temperature goes up during the afternoon, water evaporates faster. 

Humidity also affects the evaporation rate. It's easier to add water from evaporation to dry air compared to air that already has a high water content. 

Of course, KELOLAND wind also helps dry things out. On a calm day, as water evaporates, it increases the humidity immediately around it and slows down the process. But when the wind blows, the air around the water is constantly replaced with drier air. This, in turn allows the water to dry up quicker. 

And it's times like this when flooded land needs good old South Dakota wind to help dry things out. But it's a thin line, we're getting to the time of year when water is good to have around, because the summer months can sometimes bring in long lasting dry and hot spells.