By Scout Nelson
Governor Laura Kelly has signed a proclamation approving updated drought stage declarations for counties across Kansas as drought conditions continue to worsen during the spring season. Above-normal temperatures combined with limited rainfall have accelerated soil moisture loss and increased the likelihood of continued drought stress as the state moves toward summer.
Extreme drought has expanded into northwestern and far southwestern Kansas, while severe drought conditions have continued to spread across central portions of the state. Although some eastern regions have seen meaningful rainfall, much of Kansas remains well below normal precipitation levels.
“While parts of eastern Kansas have seen significant rainfall, much of the state, especially western Kansas, continues to experience persistent precipitation deficits,” Governor Kelly said. “As we head into a warmer and potentially drier period, I encourage all Kansans to take proactive steps to conserve water and remain aware of how these conditions can affect our daily lives.”
Dozens of Counties Shift into Higher Drought Stages
The updated declaration places additional counties into drought watch, warning, and emergency classifications. The changes were recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.
Under the proclamation:
- 51 counties are now under drought watch
- 47 counties have been placed in drought warning
- 7 counties are classified under drought emergency
The drought staging system helps state agencies, producers, and local governments understand risk levels and plan responses based on current and projected conditions.
Agricultural Impacts Growing Across Western and Central Kansas
State officials report that drought conditions are expected to persist and intensify in west-central Kansas, where opportunities for sustained improvement remain limited. Seasonal outlooks indicate an increased likelihood of below-normal precipitation statewide, raising concerns for dryland crops, pasture health, water supplies, and wildfire risk.
“Recent rainfall has helped in some areas, but drought is far from over in Kansas,” said Connie Owen. “Conditions range from crop stress and elevated fire danger to growing water supply concerns. In the hardest-hit areas, we are seeing significant agricultural losses and extreme rangeland fire risk.”
Producers in affected areas are already seeing impacts to planting decisions, forage availability, and livestock operations as dry conditions continue.
County Drought Stage Declarations
Drought Emergency:
Cheyenne, Decatur, Morton, Norton, Phillips, Rawlins, Stevens
Drought Warning:
Barber, Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Lane, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Meade, Mitchell, Ness, Osborne, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Scott, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Stanton, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, Wichita
Drought Watch:
Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Bourbon, Brown, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Elk, Franklin, Geary, Greenwood, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Labette, Leavenworth, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Osage, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Sumner, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wilson, Woodson, Wyandotte
Ongoing Monitoring and Water Conservation Encouraged
With summer approaching and drought stress increasing, state leaders emphasize that early awareness and proactive management will be critical in limiting further agricultural and economic impacts across Kansas.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-zhuda
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Weather