Parts of county added to drought watch

The extreme western portion of Marion County last week was reclassified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as being abnormally dry.

The classification indicates short-term dryness slowing planting and growth of crops and pastures. It is the lowest of five levels of drought reported by the department.

Statewide, much of the western half of Kansas is now listed in more serious moderate to severe drought categories. Extreme drought is reported in the far northwest and southwest corners of Kansas.

Extended forecasts by the National Weather Service predict a one-level worsening to moderate drought of the dryness status in far west portions of Marion County over the next four to eight weeks.

No change is expected elsewhere in the county, where moisture levels are predicted to remain near normal.

Statewide, crop reports are less than ideal, with 41% of the winter wheat crop listed as being in poor or very poor condition. Only 23% of the crop is listed as being in good or excellent condition.

Topsoil and subsoil moisture are listed as short or very short in nearly 60% of the state.

Through May 15, temperatures are expected to be slightly above normal with precipitation near or slightly above normal.

The National Weather Service is predicting a summer influenced by El Nino weather patterns, which often lead to summers that are slightly cooler and wetter than normal across the state.

So far this year, the weather service has issued 485 severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings — twice the normal number for the first four months of a year.