Drought Information Statement for the Quad State Region Valid September 13, 2024 Issued By: WFO Paducah, Kentucky Contact Information: nws.paducah@noaa.gov This product will be updated if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/pah/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Conditions continue to deteriorate across the region with parts of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois and west Kentucky downgraded to severe drought (D2) on this week’s Drought Monitor. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Severe drought has been added to part of southeast Missouri southeast into west Kentucky Drought intensity and Extent D2 (Severe Drought): Has been added to parts of southeast Missouri along the Mississippi River southwest across the tip of southern Illinois into the Purchase and southern Pennyrile Areas of west Kentucky; a second area was added to part of the Evansville/Henderson/Owensboro area of Kentucky D1 (Moderate Drought): Covers about 49% of the forecast area in parts of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and west Kentucky D0: (Abnormally Dry): Covers much of the rest of southern Illinois and southeast Missouri Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Improved: None Drought Worsened: Much of last week’s D1 drought was downgraded to D2 across southeast Missouri, southern Illinois and west Kentucky; a second area of D2 was added to the Evansville/Henderson/Owensboro area of Kentucky; a large area across southern Illinois and southwest Indiana went from D0 to D1 Precipitation Little to no rain fell across the region during the 7 days ending at 7 am September 10. For the summer (June-August), only a few locations in the southern part of the region were above normal on rainfall; most of the region was 2-4 inches below. Last 30 Day Average and Departure Temperature We’ve had a real mix of temperatures with most locations within a degree of normal for the month of August. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Rivers are running low and the navigable rivers are being closely monitored. Agricultural Impacts There are reports of hayfeeding in parts of southeast Missouri as well as a few reports of stock ponds running low. Corn and soybeans that were planted later in the season are showing the most stress. Fire Hazard Impacts There have been reports of small wildfires and burn bans are in effect for many counties in southwest Indiana and west Kentucky. 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 Rivers have steadily fallen across the region since the beginning of August. Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Rivers have steadily fallen across the region since the beginning of August. Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture, has deteriorated for a large part of the Ohio and middle Mississippi Valleys. Fire Hazard Impacts There have been numerous reports of wildfires leading into this week with many counties enacting burn bans in southwest Indiana and west Kentucky. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast The remnants of Hurricane Francine moved north into the region. Two rain bands produced 1-2 inches of rain overnight in parts of southeast Missouri and west Kentucky and across southeast Illinois into southwest Indiana and northwest Kentucky. The tropical remnants will linger across the region through much of the weekend producing scattered showers and thunderstorms. Another 1 to 2 inches is possible through Monday. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Rapid Onset Drought is not expected to continue but may return once the tropical remnants dissipate early next week. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The warmer than normal pattern will continue through the rest of September.. Precipitation chances will return to more normal through the rest of the month. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought may worsen once again the coming weeks.