Drought Information Statement for Kansas Valid March 16, 2025 Issued By: WFO Wichita Contact Information: w-ict.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated as drought conditions warrant. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/ICT/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates. Drought is slowly starting to creep back into Kansas due to persistent dry conditions. Drought Monitor (as of March 11th) D4 (Exceptional Drought): None D3 (Extreme Drought): None D2 (Severe Drought): None D1 (Moderate Drought): Portions of northern, central, far western, and far southern Kansas D0: (Abnormally Dry): Much of Kansas with the exception of small portions of western and eastern Kansas 4-Week Drought Change Drought Worsened: 1-2 categories for portions of southwest and south-central KS Drought Improved: 1 category for small portions of far northwest and eastern KS Link to Drought Monitor Change Maps 8-Week Drought Change Drought Worsened: 1-2 categories for much of southwest to south-central KS Drought Improved: 1-2 categories for small portions of far northwest and eastern KS Link to Drought Monitor Change Maps Precipitation Past 30 Days Large portions of KS have experienced below average precipitation the past 30 days, with above average precipitation over southeast KS and especially far northwest KS. Precipitation Past 90 Days Precipitation the past 90 days has been below average over much of south-central, central and western KS, with above average precipitation over northeast KS and especially far northwest KS. Temperature Anomalies Past 7 to 30 Days The past 7 days, cooler than average temperatures were noted over western Kansas, with above average temperatures over eastern Kansas. The past 30 days, well above average temperatures were noted statewide. Summary of Drought Impacts Hydrologic Impacts The city of Wichita and surrounding communities have enacted stage 2 water restrictions. Stage 3 water restrictions will be discussed if Cheney’s water level reaches 50% full or lower. Fire Hazard Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Other Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Most streamflows the past 7 days have been near to below average, with some streamflows well below average. Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture down to 10 cm is below average across much of KS, although there have been some increases in soil moisture the past month over eastern and northwest KS. Fire Hazard Impacts through April The risk for significant wildland fire potential across Kansas is average through April. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Meaningful precipitation is forecast across mainly the northern half of KS through March 23rd. Precipitation and Temperature Outlook through March There is a slight signal for below average precipitation across southwest KS in March. There is a slight to modest signal for above average temperatures across KS in March. Precipitation and Temperature Outlook through May There is a slight to modest signal for below average precipitation across KS March through May, especially western KS. There is a slight signal for above average temperatures over far southwest KS March through May. Drought Outlook Through May Through May, areas of drought persistence and development are forecast across mainly the western two-thirds of KS.