Drought — Bourbon, Kansas

2022-12-01 to 2022-12-31 · Bourbon, Kansas

Event narrative

Despite rainfall towards the end of the month and some improvement across the eastern portion of the county, drought conditions continued across the region through the month of December. The US Drought Monitor indicated the southern half of the county as being in Severe (D2) Drought with the remainder of county in Moderate (D1) Drought. Impacts across the region were primarily felt in larger scale agriculture. Farm and stock ponds saw some continuing impacts with ground water levels and reservoirs showing slight drought condition improvement. Estimated monetary crop losses included in this months report are for drought conditions through December 31st, 2022. Drought conditions continued into 2023 and estimated losses for 2023 will be included beginning January 1st until drought conditions end and loses are assessed.

Wider weather episode

Exceptional (D4) Drought conditions improved across portions of southeastern Kansas. Drought conditions continued over most of southeastern Kansas during the month despite some rainfall. Across southeastern Kansas, D3 (Extreme Drought) to D2 (Severe Drought) persisted despite rainfall and improving conditions. The primary impacts of the drought occurred in the agricultural communities. Hay growth was impacted along with reports of crop failures, dry stock ponds and low flows on some streams and rivers. Final reports of damages will be placed in the last month the drought occurred in the counties impacted.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1065569. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.