Drought Information Statement for Southern Indiana and Central Kentucky Valid June 26, 2026 Issued By: National Weather Service WFO Louisville, KY Contact Information: nws.louisville@noaa.gov This product will be updated July 3, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/LMK/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates. Extreme Drought (D3) remains in central KY (Casey Co.) and far eastern KY Severe Drought (D2) remains in portions of southern and eastern Kentucky Moderate Drought (D1) remains over south central KY Abnormally Dry (D0) stretches across central KY U.S. Drought Monitor NOTE: The data cutoff for Drought Monitor is each Tuesday at 8 a.m. EDT. Drought Intensity and Extent D3 (Extreme Drought): A few locations across central and southeast KY D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of southern and eastern Kentucky D1 (Moderate Drought): Continues across southern KY D0 (Abnormally Dry): Stretches across central KY Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change No change across most of Kentucky One class improvement over portions of central and eastern Kentucky Two class improvement over a portion of east central Kentucky Precipitation Over the past 30 days, most of the region received approximately 2 to 8+ inches of rain, with portions of southern Indiana and central Kentucky receiving the highest amounts. Most of central Kentucky and south central Indiana experienced above normal precipitation. Temperature Over the past 7 days, temperatures across southern Indiana and central Kentucky were approximately 1 to 6 degrees below normal. 30-Day temperatures were mostly normal to around 1 to 2 degrees below normal. Summary of Impacts Sources: University of Kentucky Agriculture Department and Kentucky Division of Water Hydrologic Impacts Precipitation during the past month to month and a half has improved streamflows across the state. However, streamflows in the upper Green and upper Kentucky Rivers remain below normal. While most reservoirs have returned to normal pool, several small water supply reservoirs remain low for this time of year. The city of Liberty has begun mandatory conservation due to low levels in Lake Liberty. Agricultural Impacts The US Crop Report shows 19% of topsoil and 26% of subsoil in Kentucky rated as short to very short, an improvement of 6% for topsoil and 5% for subsoil. Fire Hazard Impacts There is no wildfire activity or impacts over central Kentucky or southern Indiana at this time (National Interagency Fire Center). Other Impacts As of 6/23, the state averaged 1.84” of precipitation over the past week, 0.58” above normal. Since June 1st, the state has averaged 3.72”, 0.1” above normal. (MRCC) 7 Day Average Streamflow Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Many streams are experiencing normal to much above normal flow across central Kentucky and southern Indiana. A few locations in the Barren and Cumberland River Basins have below normal flow. Source: National Crop Bulletin Agricultural Impacts The US Crop Report shows 19 percent of topsoil is short to very short for Kentucky. The US Crop Report shows 3 percent of topsoil is short to very short for Indiana. The Crop Moisture Index is 0 to above 3 and in overall good condition for southern Indiana and central Kentucky. Recent wet conditions have resulted in some water supply improvements, however, shortages still remain in several small water supply reservoirs. Fire Hazard Impacts As of now, no significant wildfire potential exists through August. There are currently no burn bans reported for any counties in Indiana or Kentucky as of 6/26/2026. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Rounds of showers and thunderstorms will continue through Sunday Night. As of now, expect 1.5 to 3+ inches of rain through the weekend. Locally higher amounts possible. A pattern change will bring dry and hot conditions starting Monday through much of next week. Small chances of precipitation may arrive for the second half of the week. 8-14 Day Significant Hazards Outlook Links to the latest Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook. Extreme Heat will be possible 7/4-7/5 over much of central and eastern U.S. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There is a 40 to 50 percent chance of seeing above-normal precipitation throughout the month of July. There are roughly equal chances of normal temperatures across southern Indiana and central KY throughout the month of July. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage With another weekend of beneficial rainfall forecasted, improvements in drought status are possible initially. A dry, hot pattern for the upcoming week may result in status quo or worsening drought conditions over the next few weeks. The Seasonal Drought Outlook (July-Sep) calls for improving or ending drought conditions across much of KY.