Drought — Lawrence, Kentucky

2024-08-01 to 2024-08-31 · Lawrence, Kentucky

Wider weather episode

After a quiet end to the month of July, exceptionally dry weather prevailed through the majority of August and attributed to a historical drought across the Central Appalachians. For eastern Kentucky, the month began with abnormally/moderate drought (D0/D1) conditions in Boyd and Lawrence Counties. Under strong high pressure and daily afternoon temperatures stretching into the triple digit marks, soil conditions continued to dry out. By the middle of August, these two counties were expanded to a severe drought (D2) state.

Declining levels in irritation wells/ponds in August led to hauling of water for livestock across the area. Other impacts from this drought also included a crop yield loss reported across much of the Ohio River Valley as well as nearby hay shortages. Given the drying vegetation and above normal temperatures, brush fire activity also increased by the end of the second half of the month.

Exceptionally dry conditions stretched into September.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1207947. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.