Drought in Boyd, Kentucky

Severe (D2) drought conditions in Boyd and Lawrence counties carried over from August into the beginning of September. A continued lack of rain over the next couple of weeks allowed the drought to worsen across northeastern Kentucky, with extreme drought (D3) impacting at least portions of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lawrence Counties.

Impacts reported during the height of the drought included below normal stream flows, dry wells, some fish kills, stunted crop growth, livestock sales due to a lack of hay, water hauling, and an increase in fire danger.

Late in the month, the remnants of Hurricane Helene finally brought a few inches of rain to northeast Kentucky. This desperately needed rain finally allowed for one to two category improvements in the drought. By the conclusion of the month, Carter and Greenup improved to D0, while Boyd and Lawrence improved to D0/D1.