More than half of Kentucky experiencing a ‘moderate drought.’ Here’s what to know
More than of half of Kentucky is now experiencing “moderate drought,” up from roughly one-third last week.
That moderate drought is affecting more than 1.7 million people in the state, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report.
The new report, which was released Thursday using data collected Tuesday, shows roughly 55% of the state is experiencing a moderate drought, the mildest form of drought as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor, headquartered at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
According to the service, a moderate drought begins when burn bans are issued, crops, trees and pastures show signs of stress, corn germination is poor and algae and fungus growth spreads.
Abnormally dry conditions have also spread further, with now more than 81% of the state experiencing those conditions, up from 79% last week. Those conditions are when you start seeing browning lawns and vegetation and the earliest signs of stress on crops and pastures.
Across the Midwest, which Kentucky is a part of for the purposes of reporting, “rapid onset of drought continues to affect parts of the Corn Belt along with the Ohio and Middle Mississippi Valleys,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s summary.
But as of last week, the effects here in Kentucky were already being felt.
“This week, short-term moderate drought was introduced or expanded across much of central Kentucky, the Illinois-Indiana border, and southeast Missouri,” the previous, June 28, summary states. “Parts of Kentucky are seeing corn leaves curl as a result of the recent hot and dry weather.”
In that June 28 summary, the U.S. Drought Monitor said “42.53% of the U.S. and 47.73% of the lower 48 states are in drought.”
You can explore which parts of Kentucky are most impacted by drought with the map below.
For a closer look at Fayette County, you can use this map.
Note: These graphics will automatically update as new data become available.
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