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Kentucky

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    counties with USDA Disaster Designations (primary)

    0

    Kentucky residents in areas of drought, according to the Drought Monitor

    45th

    driest April on record (since 1895)

    44th

    wettest January—April on record (since 1895)

    Learn More About These Stats
    Current Kentucky Drought Maps
    U.S. Drought Monitor USDM 1-Week Change Short-Term MIDI Long-Term MIDI

    Drought & Dryness Categories
    Value Map Hex Color % of KY Description
    D0 – Abnormally Dry #ffff00 44.5 Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought. View typical impacts by state.
    D1 – Moderate Drought #ffcc99 0.0 Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
    D2 – Severe Drought #ff6600 0.0 Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
    D3 – Extreme Drought #ff0000 0.0 Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
    D4 – Exceptional Drought #660000 0.0 Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
    Total Area in Drought (D1–D4) #ffffff 0.0 Total Area in Drought (D1–D4) The percent area of Kentucky that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    Drought Change Since Last Week
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    -3 #ff9900 3-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    -2 #ffd438 2-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    -1 #ffff73 1-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    0 #cccccc No Change There has been no change in drought conditions at this location.
    +1 #cdffd4 1-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    +2 #8ad48c 2-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    +3 #52956a 3-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    Dry Conditions
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    D4 #730000 Exceptional Drought (0–2nd Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    D3 #E60000 Extreme Drought (2nd–5th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    D2 #FFAA00 Severe Drought (5th–10th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    D1 #FCD37F Moderate Drought (10th–20th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    D0 #FFFF00 Abnormally Dry (20th–30th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    Wet Conditions
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    W0 #AAFF55 Abnormally Wet (70th–80th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    W1 #01FFFF Moderate Wet (80th–90th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    W2 #00AAFF Severe Wet (90th–95th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    W3 #0000FF Extreme Wet (95th–98th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    W4 #0000AA Exceptional Wet (98th–100th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    Dry Conditions
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    D4 #730000 Exceptional Drought (0–2nd Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    D3 #E60000 Extreme Drought (2nd–5th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    D2 #FFAA00 Severe Drought (5th–10th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    D1 #FCD37F Moderate Drought (10th–20th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    D0 #FFFF00 Abnormally Dry (20th–30th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    Wet Conditions
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    W0 #AAFF55 Abnormally Wet (70th–80th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    W1 #01FFFF Moderate Wet (80th–90th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    W2 #00AAFF Severe Wet (90th–95th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    W3 #0000FF Extreme Wet (95th–98th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
    W4 #0000AA Exceptional Wet (98th–100th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.

    Data Valid: 05/30/23
    Data Valid: 05/30/23
    Data Valid: 05/25/23
    Data Valid: 05/25/23
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    Experimental
    Experimental
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    Drought in the Midwest

    Drought and its impacts vary from region to region—due to differences in climate. Precipitation extremes in the Midwest have a major impact on the region’s resources, economic sectors, and residents. Over the last century, precipitation trends in the Midwest have been moving towards wetter conditions and fewer droughts than the region experienced in the early 20th century. However, the Midwest has still felt adverse impacts during recent droughts, particularly in 1988 and 2012. These adverse impacts include limited barge transportation on major rivers, decreased agricultural production, challenges for municipal water supply and quality, and reduced productivity for hydropower. In fall 2022, drought conditions across portions of the Mississippi River Basin caused river levels to drastically lower, which had a significant impact on the transportation of goods along the river.

    An added challenge in recent years has been the tendency to transition from drought to flood and back to drought within short time spans, sometimes within a matter of months, as well as flash drought, which is a drought that intensifies rapidly.

    NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) launched the Midwest Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) in response to the 2012 drought, which highlighted the need for additional drought early warning and preparedness in the region. The Midwest DEWS is a network of regional and national partners that share information and coordinate actions to help communities in the region cope with drought.

    Reach out to Molly Woloszyn, the Regional Drought Coordinator for this region, for more information, or sign up for the Midwest DEWS newsletter.

    Kentucky State Drought Resources

    State Drought Websites:

    Kentucky Drought Viewer

    Kentucky Drought and Climate Conditions Story Map

    State Drought Agency:

    Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, Division of Water

    State Drought Plan:

    Kentucky Drought Mitigation and Response Plan (2008)

    State Climate Office:

    Kentucky Climate Center

    Kentucky Current Conditions

    A number of physical indicators are important for monitoring drought, such as precipitation & temperature, water supply (e.g., streamflow, reservoirs), and soil moisture. Learn more about monitoring drought.

    Kentucky Precipitation Conditions

    7-Day 30-Day % Normal 60-Day % Normal

    Inches of Precipitation
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    0 - 0.01 #ffffff This location received less than 0.01 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
    0.01 - 0.5 #ffffcc This location received 0.01–0.5 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
    0.5 - 1 #c7e9b4 This location received 0.5–1 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
    1 - 2 #7fcdbb This location received 1–2 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
    2 - 4 #41b6c4 This location received 2–4 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
    4 - 6 #1d91c0 This location received 4–6 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
    6 - 8 #225ea8 This location received 6–8 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
    8 - #0c2c84 This location received more than 8 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
    Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    0% - 25% #8c510a Precipitation was only 0% to 25% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    25% - 50% #bf812d 25%–50% of Normal Precipitation was 25% to 50% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    50% - 75% #dfc27d 50%–75% of Normal Precipitation was 50% to 75% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    75% - 100% #f6e8c3 75%–100% of Normal Precipitation was 75% to 100% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    100% - 150% #c7eae5 100%–150% of Normal Precipitation was 100% to 150% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    150% - 200% #80cdc1 150%–200% of Normal Precipitation was 150% to 200% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    200% - 300% #35978f 200%–300% of Normal Precipitation was 200% to 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    300% - #01665e >300% of Normal Precipitation was greater than 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    0% - 25% #8c510a Precipitation was only 0% to 25% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    25% - 50% #bf812d 25%–50% of Normal Precipitation was 25% to 50% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    50% - 75% #dfc27d 50%–75% of Normal Precipitation was 50% to 75% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    75% - 100% #f6e8c3 75%–100% of Normal Precipitation was 75% to 100% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    100% - 150% #c7eae5 100%–150% of Normal Precipitation was 100% to 150% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    150% - 200% #80cdc1 150%–200% of Normal Precipitation was 150% to 200% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    200% - 300% #35978f 200%–300% of Normal Precipitation was 200% to 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
    300% - #01665e >300% of Normal Precipitation was greater than 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 

    Data Valid: 05/31/23
    Data Valid: 05/31/23
    Data Valid: 05/31/23
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    Kentucky Temperature Conditions

    7-Day Avg 7-Day Anomaly 30-Day Anomaly

    Maximum Temperature (°F)
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    - 0 #05346c The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is below 0°F.
    0 - 10 #216cac 0–10°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 0–10°F.
    10 - 20 #4393c3 10–20°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 10–20°F.
    20 - 30 #92c5de 20–30°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 20–30°F.
    30 - 40 #d1e5f0 30–40°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 30–40°F.
    40 - 60 #ffffff 40–60°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 40–60°F.
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    60 - 70 #fddbc7 60–70°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 60–70°F.
    70 - 80 #f4a582 70–80°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 70–80°F.
    80 - 90 #d6604d 80–90°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 80–90°F.
    90 - 100 #b2182b 90–100°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 90–100°F.
    100 - #69012c >100°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between greater than 100°F.
    Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    - -8 #0404ff >8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F colder than normal for this location.
    -8 - -6 #2166ac 6–8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F colder than normal for this location.
    -6 - -4 #4393c3 4–6°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F colder than normal for this location.
    -4 - -3 #92c5de 3–4°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F colder than normal for this location.
    -3 - -1 #d1e5f0 1–3°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F colder than normal for this location.
    -1 - 0 #ffffff 0–1°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F colder than normal for this location.
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    0 - 1 #ffffff 0–1°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F warmer than normal for this location.
    1 - 3 #fddbc7 1–3°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F warmer than normal for this location.
    3 - 4 #f4a582 3–4°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F warmer than normal for this location.
    4 - 6 #d6604d 4–6°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F warmer than normal for this location.
    6 - 8 #b2182b 6–8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F warmer than normal for this location.
    8 - #800000 >8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F warmer than normal for this location.
    Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    - -8 #0404ff >8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F colder than normal for this location.
    -8 - -6 #2166ac 6–8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F colder than normal for this location.
    -6 - -4 #4393c3 4–6°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F colder than normal for this location.
    -4 - -3 #92c5de 3–4°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F colder than normal for this location.
    -3 - -1 #d1e5f0 1–3°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F colder than normal for this location.
    -1 - 0 #ffffff 0–1°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F colder than normal for this location.
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    0 - 1 #ffffff 0–1°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F warmer than normal for this location.
    1 - 3 #fddbc7 1–3°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F warmer than normal for this location.
    3 - 4 #f4a582 3–4°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F warmer than normal for this location.
    4 - 6 #d6604d 4–6°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F warmer than normal for this location.
    6 - 8 #b2182b 6–8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F warmer than normal for this location.
    8 - #800000 >8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F warmer than normal for this location.

    Data Valid: 05/31/23
    Data Valid: 05/31/23
    Data Valid: 05/31/23
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    Kentucky Streamflow Conditions

    Current Streamflow

    Streamflow Conditions
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    Low #ff0000 Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
    Much Below #b12121 Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
    Below #ffa400 Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
    Normal #00ff00 Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    Above #40dfd0 Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
    Much Above #0000ff Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
    High #000000 Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
    Not Ranked #ffffff Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.

    Data Valid: 06/06/23
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    Kentucky Soil Moisture Conditions

    20 cm Depth 100 cm Depth

    20 cm Soil Moisture Percentile
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    0 - 2 #730000 0–2nd Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth is in the bottom 2% (0–2nd percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
    2 - 5 #e60000 2nd–5th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 2nd to 5th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
    5 - 10 #e69800 5th–10th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 5th to 10th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
    10 - 20 #fed37f 10th–20th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 10th to 20th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
    20 - 30 #fefe00 20th–30th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 20th to 30th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
    30 - 70 #c8c8c8 30th–70th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 30th to 70th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    70 - 80 #aaf596 70th–80th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 70th to 80th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
    80 - 90 #4ce600 80th–90th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 80th to 90th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
    90 - 95 #38a800 90th–95th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 90th to 95th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
    95 - 98 #145a00 95th–98th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 95th to 98th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
    98 - 100 #002673 98th–100th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth is in the top 2% (98th to 100th percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
    0–100 cm Soil Moisture Percentile
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    0 - 2 #630f08 0–2nd Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth is in the bottom 2% (0–2nd percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    2 - 5 #da2d20 2nd–5th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 2nd to 5th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    5 - 10 #de7a2e 5th–10th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 5th to 10th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    10 - 20 #f6b573 10th–20th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 10th to 20th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    20 - 30 #ffff66 20th–30th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 20th to 30th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    30 - 70 #c8c8c8 30th–70th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 30th to 70th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    70 - 80 #c3f7b2 70th–80th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 70th to 80th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    80 - 90 #78f573 80th–90th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 80th to 90th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    90 - 95 #37d23c 90th–95th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 90th to 95th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    95 - 98 #0fa00f 95th–98th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 95th to 98th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
    98 - 100 #3c83e8 98th–100th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth is in the top 2% (98th to 100th percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.

    Data Valid: 06/03/23
    Data Valid: 06/06/23
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    Outlooks & Forecasts for Kentucky

    Predicting drought in Kentucky depends on the ability to forecast precipitation and temperature within the context of complex climate interactions. View more outlooks & forecasts.

    Future Precipitation & Temperature Conditions

    7-Day Precip 8-14 Day Precip 8-14 Day Temp

    Predicted Inches of Precipitation
    Range Map Hex Color
    0 - 0.01 #ffffff
    0.01 - 0.1 #7fff00
    0.1 - 0.25 #00cd00
    0.25 - 0.5 #008b00
    0.5 - 0.75 #104e8b
    0.75 - 1 #1e90ff
    1 - 1.25 #00b2ee
    1.25 - 1.5 #00eeee
    1.5 - 1.75 #8968cd
    Range Map Hex Color
    1.75 - 2 #912cee
    2 - 2.5 #8b008b
    2.5 - 3 #8b0000
    3 - 4 #cd0000
    4 - 5 #ee4000
    5 - 7 #ff7f00
    7 - 10 #cd8500
    10 - 15 #ffd700
    15 - 20 #ffff00
    20 - #ffaeb9
    Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Precipitation
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    100% - 90% #4f2f2f >90% Chance of Below Normal There is a >90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
    90% - 80% #804000 80%–90% Chance of Below Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
    80% - 70% #934639 70%–80% Chance of Below Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
    70% - 60% #9b5031 60%–70% Chance of Below Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
    60% - 50% #bb6d33 50%–60% Chance of Below Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
    50% - 40% #d8a750 40%–50% Chance of Below Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
    40% - 33% #f0d493 33%–40% Chance of Below Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
    Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Precipitation
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    33% - 40% #b3d9ab 33%–40% Chance of Above Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
    40% - 50% #94cd7e 40%–50% Chance of Above Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
    50% - 60% #48ae38 50%–60% Chance of Above Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
    60% - 70% #3a7b5f 60%–70% Chance of Above Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
    70% - 80% #008e40 70%–80% Chance of Above Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
    80% - 90% #28553d 80%–90% Chance of Above Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
    90% - 100% #285517 >90% Chance of Above Normal There is a >90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    Near-Normal Conditions #a2a2a2 Near-Normal Odds favor near-normal precipitation during this period.
    Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Temperature
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    100% - 90% #1c1342 >90% Chance of Below Normal There is a >90% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
    90% - 80% #221852 80%–90% Chance of Below Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
    80% - 70% #2f406f 70%–80% Chance of Below Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
    70% - 60% #005ca1 60%–70% Chance of Below Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
    60% - 50% #389fdb 50%–60% Chance of Below Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
    50% - 40% #77b5e2 40%–50% Chance of Below Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
    40% - 33% #a0c0df 33%–40% Chance of Below Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
    Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Temperature
    Range Map Hex Color Description
    33% - 40% #e7b168 33%–40% Chance of Above Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
    40% - 50% #e38b4a 40%–50% Chance of Above Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
    50% - 60% #dc562f 50%–60% Chance of Above Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
    60% - 70% #c72e28 60%–70% Chance of Above Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
    70% - 80% #cc3047 70%–80% Chance of Above Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
    80% - 90% #8a2f38 80%–90% Chance of Above Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
    90% - 100% #622228 >90% Chance of Above Normal There is a >90% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    Near-Normal Conditions #a2a2a2 Near-Normal Odds favor near-normal temperatures during this period.

    Data Valid: 06/06/23
    Data Valid: 06/05/23
    Data Valid: 06/05/23
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    Drought Outlooks for Kentucky

    Monthly Seasonal

    Drought Is Predicted To...
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    Persist #9b634a Drought Persists During this time period, drought is forecast to persist.
    Improve #ded2bc Drought Improves During this time period, drought is forecast to improve.
    End #b2ad69 Drought Is Removed During this time period, drought removal is forecast.
    Develop #ffde63 Drought Develops During this time period, drought development is forecast.
    N/A #ffffff No Drought Present
    Drought Is Predicted To...
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    Persist #9b634a Drought Persists During this time period, drought is forecast to persist.
    Improve #ded2bc Drought Improves During this time period, drought is forecast to improve.
    End #b2ad69 Drought Is Removed During this time period, drought removal is forecast.
    Develop #ffde63 Drought Develops During this time period, drought development is forecast.
    N/A #ffffff No Drought Present

    Data Valid: 05/31/23
    Data Valid: 05/31/23
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    Historical Drought Conditions in Kentucky

    Drought is a normal climate pattern that has occurred in varying degrees of length, severity, and size throughout history. Below, you can look back at past drought conditions for Kentucky according to 3 historical drought indices. The U.S. Drought Monitor is a weekly map that shows the location and intensity of drought across the country since 2000. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is a monthly depiction of drought based on precipitation (with data going back to 1895). And the paleoclimate data uses tree-ring reconstructions to estimate drought conditions before we had widespread instrumental records, going back to the year 0 for some parts of the U.S. View more historical conditions.

    2000–Present
    1895–Present
    0–2017

    U.S. Drought Monitor
    Value Map Hex Color Description
    D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
    D1 #ffcc99 D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
    D2 #ff6600 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
    D3 #ff0000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
    D4 #660000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

    The U.S. Drought Monitor (2000–present) depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. Every Thursday, authors from NOAA, USDA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center produce a new map based on their assessments of the best available data and input from local observers. The map uses five categories: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4). Learn more.

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    Drought Resources for Kentucky

    Stay Informed: Local Drought Updates

    Drought Alert Emails
    Get email updates when U.S. Drought Monitor conditions change for your location or a new drought outlook is released.

    Regional Drought Status Updates
    NIDIS & its partners issue regional updates covering drought conditions, outlooks/forecasts, and local impacts.

    Midwest Drought Email List
    Get regional drought status updates right to your inbox, as well as drought news, webinars, and other events for the Midwest.

    North Central U.S. Climate and Drought Summary and Outlook Webinars
    This webinar series, which covers the region from the Rockies to the Great Lakes, includes a summary of past and current conditions, potential and ongoing impacts across sectors (e.g., agriculture, water resources, navigation), and outlook information.

    Get Involved: Submit Local Drought Impacts

    Drought in your area? Tell us how drought is impacting your community by  reporting local drought impacts through the  Kentucky Drought and Climate Conditions Story Map.

     

    Report Impacts