TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has signed a proclamation approving updated drought declarations for Kansas counties.

Drought conditions have worsened across much of Kansas this spring, with extreme drought expanding into northwest and far southwest portions of the state and severe drought growing across central regions. Above-normal temperatures – combined with limited rainfall – have accelerated soil moisture loss, increasing the risk of worsening drought conditions heading into summer.

The drought declaration added 51 counties into watch status and placed 47 into warning and 7 into emergency status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

“While parts of eastern Kansas have seen significant rainfall, much of the state – especially western Kansas – continues to experience persistent precipitation deficits,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As we head into a warmer and potentially drier period, I encourage all Kansans to take proactive steps to conserve water and remain aware of how these conditions can affect our daily lives.”

Drought conditions are expected to persist and intensify across west-central Kansas, with limited opportunities for sustained improvement. Seasonal outlooks indicate an increased likelihood of below-normal precipitation statewide. The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change.

“Recent rainfall has helped in some areas, but drought is far from over in Kansas. Conditions range from crop stress and elevated fire danger to growing water supply concerns. In the hardest-hit areas, we are seeing significant agricultural losses and extreme rangeland fire risk,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. “It is important to monitor conditions and be mindful of water usage as drought impacts evolve.”

This proclamation shall remain in effect for those counties identified until rescinded by a proclamation ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.

Effective immediately, the proclamation:

Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning, or Watch for the counties as identified below;

Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning, or emergency-level drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans. Kansans are encouraged to report drought-related conditions and impacts in their region through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) system.