Persistent abnormally dry conditions cause the reemergence of drought in Kentucky.
In the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, released on Thursday, the state of Kentucky is facing worsening drought conditions. The report indicates that most of Kentucky is experiencing at least abnormally dry conditions, with 75.81% of the state currently classified as such.
Some areas of Kentucky are experiencing moderate drought (D1), with 11.18% of the state currently under these conditions. Notably, moderate drought conditions (D1) did not appear in the weekly report until August 21.
The U.S. Drought Monitor, a partnership between the National Drought Mitigation Center, the USDA, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, covers the previous seven days through Tuesday morning. The report provides intensity levels and regional updates, but does not specify Kentucky's status or population impacts in this week's report.
The current weather in Kentucky is hot and dry, contributing to the worsening drought conditions. The National Weather Service 6-10 day outlook, issued on Wednesday, calls for temperatures in Kentucky to remain below normal, especially in the West. However, the outlook also predicts a slightly above normal chance of precipitation statewide in Kentucky, standing at 33-40%.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that the coverage of abnormal dryness (D0) and moderate drought (D1) broadly increased from Missouri into the Ohio Valley and lower Great Lakes region. In Illinois and Indiana, statewide values were above 40% very short to short. The USDA rated topsoil moisture at least one-half very short to short in Kentucky (66%), Michigan (55%), and Ohio (51%).
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of the current report, the estimated population in the D1 areas of Kentucky is 257,757. It is important to note that there are no specific details in the available drought monitoring data about regions in Kentucky under moderate drought (D1) or the affected population figures.
These conditions are primarily found in South Central and Southwest Kentucky, and Northeast Kentucky has a smaller area experiencing them. The 6-10 day outlook covers the period September 2-6, and it will be crucial to monitor these conditions and any potential changes in the coming weeks.
