Drought in Bourbon, Kansas

Localized rainfall through the month improved conditions across the county which allowed for a removal of Extreme (D3) Drought in the eastern portions of the county. Though drought improved, Severe (D2) Drought or Moderate (D1) Drought remained as October came to a close. Impacts across the region continue over larger scale agriculture. Farm and stock ponds saw continuing impacts with ground water levels, streams, rivers and reservoirs showing limited drought condition improvement. Crop and vegetation growth was was limited due to the time of year but did show 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 or at the end of the year.

Some improvement occurred across far southeastern Kansas with Extreme (D3) Drought being removed by the end of October. Severe (D2) Drought conditions lingered across portions southeastern Kansas through the end of October as rainfall amounts from 1 to 3 inches with localized 4 to 5 inch amounts occurred during the month allowing for improvement of drought conditions over portions of southeastern Kansas during the month. Across southeastern Kansas Severe (D2) drought lingered in some areas with Moderate (D1) Drought and Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions areas continuing in others. 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.