Drought Information Statement for Central & Southwest Kansas 
Valid April 26, 2024
Issued By: WFO Dodge City
This product will be updated monthly for D2 or D3 and worse drought.  

U.S. Drought Monitor
Severe drought conditions have developed across Ford and Gray counties.

Drought intensity and Extent

D2 (Severe Drought): Stafford, Pratt, Barber, Ford and Gray counties.

Recent Change in Drought Intensity
Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. 

Drought Worsened: All of central and southwestern Kansas except for Trego county.
 
No Change: Trego county.


Precipitation
It was drier than normal over the past month across most of southwest Kansas.


Temperature
Temperatures were above average across most of central and southwest Kansas, with a high degree of day
to day variability.


Summary of Impacts

Agricultural impacts are beginning to flare up with the warm temperatures and below average rainfall.

Hydrologic Impacts 

There are no known impacts at this time.

Agricultural Impacts
The wheat crop is being adversely affected by the drought.

Fire Hazard Impacts
None.

Other Impacts
None.

Mitigation Actions
None reported.


Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts
Most of the area has been reporting below normal streamflow.

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast
Significant rains will be isolated to scattered, with most areas experiencing below average rainfall.


Long-Range Outlooks

Monthly and seasonal forecasts have low predictability since we are in the rain shadow of the Rockies and since precipitation shields are typically smaller in scale.

Wetter than average to equal chances of precipitation are prediced for May along with above average to equal chances on temperatures.


Drought Outlook
Drought is expected to worsen over the short term but improve during May and over the summer.