LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky leaders and officials are concerned about the lack of rain recorded around the state.
On Monday, the Office of the State Climatologist, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Kentucky Drought Mitigation Team issued a Level 1 Drought Declaration for the commonwealth.
That means moderate to severe drought conditions have developed around Kentucky and have affected soil moisture and plant health. This has also increased the risk of wildfires.
RELATED: Areas around Louisville are still experiencing drought conditions. Much needed rain is on the way!
The hardest-hit areas are portions of the western, central and Bluegrass regions.
Matthew Dixon, the senior meteorologist with the University of Kentucky Agricultural Weather Center, said Kentucky has only averaged 1.69 inches of rain over the past 30 days. That's more than 1.5 inches below normal.
“Despite severe dryness that began in mid-June, most rivers are flowing at the lower end of a normal range for this time of year," Dixon said. "In some rivers and their tributaries, however, moderate hydrologic drought is developing, including the lower Green, lower Kentucky and Licking River basins. Most drinking water supplies across Kentucky have held up well, however in areas with moderate to severe drought, there is an increasing likelihood of water shortages developing in rivers and small water supply lakes.”
Jerry Brotzge, the state climatologist and director of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center, said he expects the drought conditions to continue into the near future.
“Looking ahead, seasonal forecasts offer a mixed bag for Kentucky,” Brotzge said. “The early October forecast from NOAA predicts below-normal precipitation for all of Kentucky, whereas the 3-month fall outlook forecasts equal chances for above-or below-normal precipitation.”
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