Level 1 and Level 2 drought declarations were issued throughout Kentucky Thursday afternoon. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Office of the State Climatologist, in coordination with the Kentucky drought mitigation team, issued a Level 2 drought declaration for 78 counties in the state and 42 counties were declared Level 1.
Caldwell, Christian, Lyon, Todd, and Trigg counties are among counties in western Kentucky that have been declared a Level 1 drought. State officials say a Level 1 drought declaration indicates moderate to severe drought conditions have developed primarily affecting soil moisture and vegetative health. Serious impacts to agricultural water needs, an increased wildfire risk, abnormally low flows in streams, and resultant water quality issues can be expected.
A Level 2 drought declaration was issued for areas in eastern, central and parts of western Kentucky and could lead to substantial agricultural losses, diminished stream flows in small streams and rivers and increases in the occurrence of wildfires. If drought conditions persist, state officials say it is expected some water utilities will have difficulties treating water and may begin issuing conservation advisories or implementing water-use restrictions due to limited water supplies.
Matt Dixon, with UK Ag Weather Center, said data at the weather center showed the state averaged only 0.23 inches of rain during September. He notes the long-term outlooks indicate below-normal precipitation for the next 30 days.
