Drought in Bourbon, Kansas

Rainfall through the month proved beneficial for much of the county improving from Extreme (D3) Drought, though drought conditions remained across the region through the month of May. The US Drought Monitor indicated the southern half of the county as remaining in Severe (D2) Drought with the remainder of the county 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 improved across portions southeastern Kansas through the end of May. Beneficial rainfall allowed drought conditions to improve over most of southeastern Kansas during the month. Across southeastern Kansas Extreme (D3) drought was removed thanks to several rounds of rainfall. Severe (D2) Drought persisted however 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.