Drought in Bourbon, Kansas

Rainfall through the month provided some limited help for mainly the northeastern half of the county. However, drought conditions continued across the region through the month of February. The US Drought Monitor indicated the far southwestern portion of the county as remaining in Severe (D2) Drought with the remainder of county in Moderate (D1) Drought or Abnormally Dry (D0). 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. Monetary crop losses for 2023 beginning January first will be included in future reports when the drought ends and loses are assessed.

Extreme (D3) drought conditions began the month but eased to Severe (D2) Drought conditions by the end of February. Despite some improvement, drought conditions continued over most of southeastern Kansas during the month with limited rainfall through the month. Across southeastern Kansas D2 (Severe Drought) persisted. 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.