The Burn Ban issued for Grayson County one week ago has been lifted, but all 120 Kentucky counties are experiencing Level 1 drought conditions.
“Whereas Grayson County has received sufficient rainfall to mitigate the fire hazard period, the open burn ban ordered (on) September 17, 2024, has been lifted,” said an Executive Order issued by Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson on Tuesday afternoon.
While the region has received recent rainfall, the Office of the State Climatoligist, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and Kentucky Drought Mitigation Team issued a Level 1 Drought Declaration for all of Kentucky on Monday.
A Level 1 Drought indicates moderate to severe drought conditions have developed, primarily affecting soil moisture and vegetative growth,” the agencies said. “Serious impacts to agricultural water needs, wildfire risk and other water-sensitive sectors can be expected in the designated areas, with the hardest hit areas being portions of western and central Kentucky, as well as parts of the Bluegrass region.”
Over the last month, data form the University of Kentucky Ag Weather Center shows that the state has only averaged 1.69 inches of rain, which is over 1.5 inches below normal.
Kentucky is predicted to receive “below-normal precipitation” during early October while the three-month fall outlook forecasts show “equal chances” for the state receiving above, or below normal precipitation.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
