Western Kentucky on verge of drought conditions

The latest drought monitor from the U.S. Department of Agriculture calls our region's soils abnormally dry, just below the first level of being in drought.

The new map issued Thursday shows western Kentucky and southern Illinois on the southern edge of a large new area of abnormally dry territory across the northern tier of states.

The timing of the expanded dry area comes as recently planted corn and soybean crops try to get established and develop roots to withstand the hottest weather of the growing season in July and August.

The USDA says that as of this week, 45 percent of America's corn production is currently within an area experiencing drought.

Some relief may be in sight with a forecast of scattered to strong thunderstorms in our region on Sunday, and another possible chance for rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

NOAA's 8-to-14 day outlook calls for precipitation to be near normal levels in our four-state area.