Kansas finds itself at the center of an enduring drought that has enveloped parts of the Great Plains, exacerbating an already dire situation. While other areas in the western half of the United States have witnessed some relief from last year's drought, Kansas has seen conditions worsen, currently experiencing the most severe drought in the country, marking its worst in a decade.
Kansas Wheat warns that if rainfall doesn't arrive soon, over a quarter of the state's wheat fields could be in such abysmal condition that farmers may opt not to harvest them. As per the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 60% of Kansas is grappling with "extreme" or "exceptional" drought, leaving only 13% of the state, primarily in the northeast, unaffected by drought conditions.
There is a glimmer of hope as certain areas of the state are forecasted to receive a couple of inches of rain in the coming days, according to Matthew Sittel, an assistant climatologist for Kansas. However, the recovery from months of remarkably dry conditions will take considerable time.
The drought began encroaching upon Kansas in the fall of 2021, initially manifesting as mild drought in a few isolated counties. It then progressively intensified in the southwest, with extreme or exceptional drought affecting 10% of the state by spring.
Reaching its peak earlier this month, the drought engulfed more than two-thirds of Kansas in the most severe levels of drought. While there has been a slight alleviation since then, the prolonged dry spell continues to pose significant challenges for the state, impacting agriculture and posing a threat to the vital wheat harvest.
Photo Credit: Kinze Manufacturing
Categories: Kansas, General, Weather