Drought Information

Mid-July saw welcome rains across much of the state.  Southwestern areas, however, continue to receive well below normal amounts.  This has resulted in continued moderate to extreme drought conditions in this area.  The most recent Drought Monitor does not reflect the rainfall from July 17th.

Meanwhile, temperatures are average below normal.  This is despite temperatures in the upper 90s with an occasional reading above 100 oF.   These high temperatures were short lived and offset by periods with highs in only the upper 70s to low 80s.

The August outlook is for equal chances of wetter-than-normal or drier-than-normal conditions statewide.  Drought conditions are still forecast to improve   Temperatures are expected to run below normal in the Northeast, while there are equal chances for above or below normal temperatures across the rest of the state. Below is the latest Drought Monitor, KS drought conditions, the Drought Outlook, the August temperature outlook, and a photo of the blowing dust in Stevens county, near Hugoton:

For additional information check out these links:

Weather Data Library at K-State Research & Extension

Weather For Burning
  NWS Topeka Fire Weather
   NWS Wichita Fire Weather
   NWS Dodge City Fire Weather
   National Fire Weather Information

State Fire Marshall Office

Current Drought Conditions
                   Kansas Water Office drought report (pdf)      02/08/2008

Agricultural Policy Information

Drought Decision Aids, Options, and Considerations for:

Crops
Livestock
Horticulture
Municipal and Home

Recent Topics:
Updated spreadsheets for Valuing Droughty Silage:
                                                              EXCEL version    7/31/06
                                                              Quattro version  7/31/06