Drought in Bourbon, Kansas

Rainfall through the month provided only limited help for the county. Drought conditions deepened as a result across the region through the month of April. The US Drought Monitor indicated that the extreme southwestern portion of the county had fallen into Extreme (D3) drought with the far southern portion of the county as remaining in Severe (D2) Drought. The remainder of the county was in Moderate (D1) Drought. Impacts across the region were primarily felt in larger scale agriculture. Farm and stock ponds saw continuing impacts with ground water levels and reservoirs showing limited drought condition improvement. Early spring crop and vegetation growth was showing signs of stress due to limited moisture. 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 developed across portions southeastern Kansas through the end of April. Despite some rainfall, drought conditions deepened over most of southeastern Kansas during the month. Across southeastern Kansas Extreme (D3) drought developed as rainfall remained lacking. Severe (D2) Drought persisted and expanded slightly with Moderate (D1) to Abnormally Dry (D0) around the Severe Drought areas. The primary impacts of the drought occurred in the agricultural communities. Hay growth was impacted along with reports of crop and vegetation impacts due to limited soil and surface moisture, 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 in 2023.