Drought conditions intensify for our region

A lack of meaningful rain in more than three weeks has intensified drought conditions across the lower Ohio River Valley.

According to the Department of Agriculture's drought monitor, a new level of severe drought (D2) has been introduced that includes all of McCracken, Ballard, Carlisle and Massac counties.

Moderate drought (D1) has been present for several weeks in a few counties, and is now more widespread across all Kentucky counties west of the lakes, as well as most of southeast Missouri and southernmost Illinois.

Much of the area has experienced times of abnormally dry conditions over the summer. Now, the majority of counties across the state of Kentucky are rated abnormally dry.

As harvest season continues, pasture conditions are poor in many areas and farmers are hay feeding. Stock ponds are running low in some counties.

Dredging is occurring on several rivers, and shorter stacks of barges are being run with lighter loads.

The dry weather will continue into the first part of the week. Very small chances of rain may be possible by Wednesday night, but forecast thunderstorms will not be enough to ease drought conditions.

The 8 to 14 day outlook through 19 calls for below normal temperatures and normal precipitation. Normal precipitation during this time period is between three-quarters of an inch to just under one inch.