Kansas is facing intensifying drought conditions as Governor Laura Kelly has signed a proclamation approving updated drought declarations for counties across the state. The action follows a spring marked by above-normal temperatures and limited rainfall, which has accelerated soil moisture loss and increased concern ahead of the summer growing season.
Extreme drought has expanded into northwest and far southwest Kansas, while severe drought has grown across central regions. Although parts of eastern Kansas have received significant rainfall, much of the state continues to experience persistent precipitation deficits.
“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.”
Counties Added Across Drought Stages
The updated declaration places additional counties into drought watch, warning, and emergency categories based on the severity of conditions. 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 have been added to drought watch status
- 47 counties have been placed under drought warning
- 7 counties are now under drought emergency status
These classifications reflect increasing impacts on agriculture, water supplies, and public safety.
Agricultural and Water Impacts Mounting
State officials say drought conditions are expected to persist and intensify across west-central Kansas, with limited opportunities for sustained improvement. Seasonal outlooks also point to a higher likelihood of below-normal precipitation across much of the state.
“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.”
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
Continued Monitoring Urged
State leaders are encouraging farmers, ranchers, and residents to monitor local conditions closely, conserve water when possible, and remain aware of evolving risks tied to drought. With hot and dry conditions likely to continue, officials say early awareness and proactive management will be critical to reducing impacts on agriculture, water systems, and rural communities across Kansas.
Photo Credit: Pexels - Alfo Medeiros