Rainfall last month helped to reset the state’s drought map this month.
The updated proclamation, announced Friday, removes Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Greenwood and Osage counties from any drought level as outlined by the Kansas Water Office. Lyon, Chase and Greenwood counties were in a drought warning after an update issued two months ago, while Coffey and Osage counties were in a drought watch.
Morris and Wabaunsee counties remain in a drought watch with Friday’s update.
Osage County is now abnormally through the separate US Drought Monitor.
Area residents got 6-10 inches of rain or more in June, largely due to rainfall incidents in early and mid-June that both led to flooding.
Even with this improvement noted, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly reminded residents to “be mindful of water conservation” with summer typically the driest part of the year. She also asked residents to “stay prepared to respond to the quickly-changing impacts of drought on health, agriculture, and wildlife across our state.”
