August, September Driest In Kentucky Since 1897; Some Residents Asked To Conserve Water

Lexington, KY (AHN) - The dry conditions seen in Kentucky in August and September are the most severe since 1897, and September is the driest one on record ever at London and the second driest at Jackson, experts say.

And severe drought conditions are expected to continue for parts of east Kentucky, National Weather Service forecasters at Jackson say.

Forecasts call for more rain, but rainfall recently has been below normal. Officials at the University of Kentucky Agricultural Weather Center say that the 2.62 inches of rain recorded over last two months was the second-lowest amount in 114 years of record-keeping.

Those drought conditions will have some lasting effects on the state with dead trees across the state being one of the most apparent.

Arborists reportedly say that large numbers of wild cherry and hackberry trees across the state appear to be dead. Furthermore, they say that even if some of those trees manage to leaf out next spring, that they will die after that.

Trees in urban areas are in better shape because they have received more water.

The Kentucky Division of Water has issued a water shortage warning for Magffin County due to critically low water levels in the Licking River that are threatening the ability of the Salyersville municipal water system to supply its customers.

A water shortage watch has been issued for Harlan, Letcher, Breahitt, Clay, Knott, Leslie, Owsley and Perry counties. The water shortage watch also applies to residents who rely on underground mines and wells for their water.

People are also urged to conserve water by reducing their demand for water.

Citizens are encouraged to limit car washing and outdoor watering, avoid hosing down patios and driveways and to limit the use of clothes washers and dishwashers.