As summer wears on, the Midwest is experiencing significant drought conditions caused by abnormally low precipitation and high temperatures. Experts expect these conditions will continue throughout the summer. Here’s a map of drought conditions in the Midwest, centering on Kansas City.
While the metro itself is feeling only moderate to severe drought, nearby cities are worse off. Jefferson City is seeing extreme drought, while Wichita and Lincoln, Nebraska are in the most severe category of exceptional drought, according to data from the U.S. drought monitor. “Significantly below-normal precipitation has been the main driver for the rapid intensification of drought conditions,” the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) wrote in a June 23 status update. “Drought is likely to persist and potentially expand across the Midwest this summer.”
Parts of the metro have experienced between three and 12 inches less rain this year so far than during an average year, according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center. Check out the color-coded maps below to see these rainfall deficits in Kansas and Missouri.
Source: kansascity.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-neenawat555
Categories: Kansas, Weather