Most of Kentucky Now Impacted by Drought Conditions

When I think of spring, I think of soggy weather. We love going to horse shows, and it never fails: most outdoor shows are canceled in spring because the grounds are just too wet. And though we've had a few rainy days this year, including today, it's apparently been pretty dry because parts of western and central Kentucky are considered in an extreme drought. 

What is a Drought?

According to the National Weather Service, drought is defined as being "a period of abnormally dry weather sufficiently prolonged for the lack of water to cause serious hydrologic imbalance in the affected area" - Glossary of Meteorology 1959 

Droughts can significantly impact the environment and humans. Water supplies become scarce, crops fail, and livestock are also negatively impacted. And with Kentucky being such a rural area that focuses on agriculture, it's something to pay attention to. 

What are the Drought Conditions Like in Kentucky in Spring 2026?

Droughtmonitor.unl.edu said this about the drought conditions in the south:

Late in the drought-monitoring period, significant rain overspread portions of the South, resulting in broad reductions in drought intensity.

Parts of Kentucky are labeled a D3 or Extreme Drought. Here's what that means:

D3 Extreme Drought: Creeks and ponds may dry up completely, water shortages become widespread, and mandatory water restrictions can begin. Maintaining cattle and horses grows increasingly expensive as feed and hauled water costs rise sharply. Many producers are forced to reduce herd sizes or sell livestock due to the high cost of keeping animals fed and watered.

The rest of the Commonwealth is in D0-D2.D0 Crops and pastures show mild stress

D1 Moderate Drought: Burn bans may be issued and wildfire activity can increase. Crops and pastures begin showing stress, corn germination may be poor, and warmer stagnant water can lead to more algae or fungus growth. Trees may start to show mild stress symptoms.

D2 Severe Drought: Hay production drops, crop losses may occur, and livestock often need extra hay and supplemental water. Ponds, lakes, and rivers can fall to low levels, creating boating hazards and exposing shorelines. Trees become more stressed, leaves may wilt, and pine trees can begin turning brown.

Get our free mobile app

What to Do During Drought

If you are in one of the counties experiencing drought, it's important to try to conserve water as much as you can. So, obviously, don't water lawns or wash your car during a drought. Limit watering gardens if you can, and do so in the early morning. Use mulch to keep moisture in the ground as long as you can. Run laundry and dishwashers with full loads. Also, make sure outdoor animals have enough water and reduce fire risk by avoiding outdoor burning.

Upcoming forecast

Though it's just a prediction, the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting an unusually long, hot summer.

In the United States, it’s not just hotter, it’s often drier too, with widespread dry conditions across many regions. Some areas trend wetter, including parts of the Heartland, Gulf Coast, Lower Lakes, southern Intermountain, and much of southern Canada. -Old Farmer's Almanac

Read More: Old Farmer's Almanac Indiana and Kentucky Summer 2026 Predictions