Kentucky Drought and Climate Conditions

Current Conditions (Updated March 17, 2025)

Drought Levels

Drought Action Levels are determined using several triggers along with reports of drought impacts. Each level will increase the amount of involvement by state agencies as dictated by the Kentucky Drought Mitigation and Response Plan

Level 1 Drought: Signifies that the state has officially designated a prolonged dry period as a drought.

Level 2 Drought: Indicates that drought impacts, some severe, are being observed.

Level 3 Drought: During this stage of drought it is expected that drought impacts will be widespread and severe and develop into emergencies if drought conditions are not abated.

Water Shortage Watch: Indicates a potential for water shortages to develop. The watch is intended to encourage increased awareness by water supply managers in an area and help local governments communicate the severity of a drought situation to affected customers.

Water Shortage Warning: Indicates that a critical water shortage is imminent. A warning may also be issued for an area in which one or more systems have entered the emergency phase of a local water shortage response plan.

For more information, please see the Kentucky Drought Mitigation and Response Plan