Drought Information Statement for Central & Southwest Kansas 
Valid May 23, 2024
Issued By: WFO Dodge City
This product will be updated monthly for D2 or D3 and worse drought.  

U.S. Drought Monitor


Drought intensity and Extent

D2 (Severe Drought): Most of central and southwest Kansas except the southwest corner and Trego/Ellis counties.
D3 (Extreme Drought): Parts of Rush, Hodgeman, Ness and Pawnee counties.

Recent Change in Drought Intensity
Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. 

Drought Worsened: Much of central and southwestern Kansas except for Trego/Ellis counties, far southwest Kansas and parts of south central Kansas.

 
No Change: Parts of Trego and Ellis counties and extreme southwest Kansas.


Precipitation
It was drier than normal over the past month across most of central and southwest Kansas.


Temperature
Temperatures were above average across most of central and southwest Kansas.


Summary of Impacts

Agricultural Impacts

The recent rains have helped in some parts of central and western Kansas. However, the wheat crop is being negatively impacted in many areas.


Hydrologic Impacts 

There are no known impacts at this time.

Agricultural Impacts
The wheat crop is being adversely affected by the drought.

Fire Hazard Impacts
None.

Other Impacts
None.

Mitigation Actions
None reported.


Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts

Much of southwest Kansas has been reporting below normal streamflow. Parts of central Kansas have near normal streamflow.


Seven Day Precipitation Forecast

Scattered thunderstorms are expected over the next week over central Kansas. But no widespread, general rains are predicted.

Long-Range Outlooks

Monthly and seasonal forecasts have low predictability since we are in the rain shadow of the Rockies and since precipitation shields are typically smaller in scale.

The outlook calls for above average temperatures and above normal to equal chance precipitation. 


Drought Outlook

The seasonal outlook is for continued drought.