Drought conditions remain but last week’s rain helped

A rainy week brought some relief to the area, but the National Weather Service says drought conditions remain mostly where they were at the beginning of last week.

According to the NWS, the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor data for the area still has much of the area in either D0 (Abnormally Dry) or D1 (Moderate Drought). Some portions of LaRue and Nelson counties were downgraded to D2 (Severe Drought).

The weather service says below normal rainfall has been experienced across much of the area over the last 30 days, while the area saw above average temperatures for an extended period of time over the last two weeks. Mostly dry weather is in the forecast the rest of this week, although the possible arrival of tropical storms from the Atlantic could bring some moisture mid-week. Rain in the area last week will likely see improved statistics on the drought monitor this week.

Several counties that declared burn bans lifted those bans after the past week. The burn ban in LaRue County remains in effect. Check with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet for more information.