Agriculture hardest hit by lack of rainfall

The Office of the State Climatologist and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, in coordination with the Kentucky Drought Mitigation Team, are issuing a Level 1 Drought Declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

A Level 1 Drought indicates moderate to severe drought conditions have developed, primarily affecting soil moisture and vegetative health. Serious impacts to agricultural water needs, wildfire risk and other water-sensitive sectors can be expected in the designated areas, with the hardest-hit areas being portions of Western and Central Kentucky, as well as parts of the Bluegrass region.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is experiencing widespread dryness that has intensified over the latter part of the summer. Precipitation that has fallen over the past two months has been spotty and has resulted in drought conditions that primarily affect soil moisture and vegetative health. In some areas the drought has impacted agricultural water needs and increased the risk of wildfires.

“Over the past 30 days, data from the UK Ag Weather Center shows that the state has only averaged 1.69 inches of rain, which is over 1.5 inches below normal,” said Matthew Dixon, senior meteorologist with the University of Kentucky Agricultural Weather Center.

“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. 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.”

State Climatologist and Director of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center Jerry Brotzge, in coordination with the Kentucky Drought Mitigation Team, said he expects drought conditions to continue, at least in 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.”

As the state transitions into a La Niña phase (a cooling of the South Pacific water temperatures) over the next few months, winter and spring seasonal forecasts are predicting above-normal precipitation for the state, Brotzge said.

The Kentucky Drought Mitigation and Response Plan defines a tiered approach to classifying drought severity using multiple indicators to assess the intensity and location of developing drought.

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman reminded everyone that September 22-28 is Water Conservation Week: “We encourage all of Team Kentucky to do their part and adopt water conservation habits. Habits as simple as turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or running the dishwasher only when it’s full can make a difference.”

For resources and information about water conservation, go to Water Conservation - Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. Make sure to take the Water Hero Pledge: bit.ly/KYWATERHERO!

More information about current drought conditions and drought declaration criteria can be found at Environmental-Protection/Water/FloodDrought/Pages/Drought.aspx