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Recent Heavy Rains Won't Eliminate Kansas Drought

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor

Some areas of Kansas have seen four or more inches of rain in recent days, but that won't be enough to eliminate drought conditions in the state. As Stephen Koranda reports, rain in the coming weeks will play a critical role in determining whether the drought stays or goes.

Assistant State Climatologist Mary Knapp says the heavy rain this month is helping. Farm ponds and other surface water bodies are being refilled. And when a new map of drought conditions is issued later this week, she expects improvements across the state. Knapp says Kansas has seen nearly double the amount of rain that's normal for the first part of June. But right now is critical, as June and July are the wettest months in many parts of Kansas.

"Having normal to above normal moisture at this time of the year will allow for more rapid improvement. Conversely, if the rains shut off, every day that it doesn’t rain in June can dig that hole much more quickly,” says Knapp.

Knapp says the heavy rains so far this month won't make a big impact on the drought because the first five months or the year were so dry

Stephen Koranda is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service, based at KCUR. He has nearly 20 years of experience in public media as a reporter and editor.