While rain is a recent memory for southeast Kansas, portions of south central Kansas haven't seen measurable rain in quite some time.

 

Dry conditions have prompted the governor to declare a drought emergency for Harvey, Reno and Sedgwick Counties. Surrounding counties in the area are now under a drought warning, including Cowley, Butler and Greenwood Counties.

 

Under recommendation from the Kansas Water Office, all of Eastern Kansas is now in a drought watch, including Chautauqua, Elk, Wilson, Montgomery, Neosho, Labette, Crawford and Cherokee Counties. Every county in Kansas is now included in at least a drought watch according to the state.

 

Counties in emergency status are eligible to use water from some state fishing lakes and federal reservoirs with permission. The state is urging water conservation as we head into the summer months.