State declares drought

The Office of the State Climatologist and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, in coordination with the Kentucky Drought Mitigation Team, issued a Level I drought declaration for western Kentucky. A Level I drought indicates moderate to severe drought conditions have developed, primarily affecting soil moisture and vegetative health. Serious impacts to agricultural water needs, wildfire risk and other water-sensitive sectors can be expected in the designated areas.

Counties included in the Level I drought declaration include:
Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, McCracken, Marshall, Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, Webster

Water officials say those western Kentucky counties are experiencing widespread dryness with precipitation levels of only 30 to 60% of normal for the past three months. It says drought conditions are affecting agriculture in the declared areas, where pastures are browning out, hayfield yields are low, corn and soybeans have germinated slowly and livestock ponds are below normal levels for this time of year.

Funeral arrangements set for Estill County teen