The latest update from the US Drought Monitor demonstrates stable drought conditions after several rounds of light, dry snowfall over the past 10 days.
Drought remains cleared for northeast Lyon County, southeast Wabaunsee County and the northern three-quarters of Osage County. Abnormally dry conditions, the mildest stage of drought, now cover most of Lyon, Coffey and Greenwood counties along with far south Osage County. Moderate drought, the next drought stage, covers all of Morris County and virtually all of Chase County.
The latest information from the National Weather Service indicates a one- to two-category improvement in drought levels over the past month areawide. However, the Climate Prediction Center says soil moisture is still dealing with a two- to three-inch deficit, while the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service has topsoil moisture at 47 percent short to very short across the state.
On the other side, river and reservoir levels are normal to much above normal, with above-normal conditions in northeast Lyon, southeast Wabaunsee, most of Greenwood and most of Osage counties. Much-above normal conditions cover most of Coffey County.
Drought conditions are expected to continue through the month, and there are some indications drought could persist through March in some locations.
