Only 21 percent of the state has adequate moisture. Precipitation over these next few weeks will be a key determining factor as to whether many crops will have normal yields this year. Corn is particularly endangered. The Forestry Commission records show that wildfire occurrence for June is already far above average. Firefighters say that wildfires will become increasingly difficult to control as soil moisture continues to drop.
Wildfire can be especially devastating to timber resources when the weather is hot and dry.
Forest managers say trees that are not killed outright by the fire become extremely susceptible to insect and disease attacks. The below normal rainfall has resulted in lower stream flow. The present streamflows in these affected streams are at one-third or less of their historical June flows. Extremely low flows are being reported in the west central portions of the state. Low flows impact fish and wildlife, water withdrawals, and water quality.