The drought which began in May reached its most extreme stage by early August. Exceptional drought conditions persisted across far western Kentucky, west of a line from Henderson to Kentucky Lake. Extreme drought conditions were observed across the remainder of western Kentucky, including the Pennyrile region and the Owensboro/Henderson areas. Soil moisture deficits remained very high. Anywhere from 70 to 100 percent of the region's topsoil and subsoil moisture was reported as short or very short. The most severe soil moisture deficits were west of Kentucky Lake. Many crops were heavily damaged, and numerous counties were declared natural disaster areas. Corn crops were a partial or complete loss. Soybeans were faring somewhat better. The percentage of pastures rated as poor or very poor held steady from July. Some small trees and shrubs were killed. Ponds across the region were dry or drying quickly. A water shortage watch was issued by the State of Kentucky for Mclean and Crittenden Counties. The drinking water supply for some residents of those counties was low enough to warrant conservation measures. Across the western part of Kentucky, there were sporadic reports of domestic wells that stopped pumping. Even with the isolated rainfall from thunderstorms, fire danger remained high. Bans on outdoor burning were in place for numerous counties. Streamflows were running normal to below normal. At Paducah, 2.75 inches of rain fell in August, which was within one percent of normal. For the year to date, 16.05 inches had fallen, which was 16.26 inches below normal. The drought began in May and continued into September.

Drought in BALLARD, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in HOPKINS, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in CARLISLE, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in LIVINGSTON, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in LYON, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in MARSHALL, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in MCCRACKEN, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in MCLEAN, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in MUHLENBERG, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in TODD, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in CRITTENDEN, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in TRIGG, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in UNION, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in WEBSTER, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in CALDWELL, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in DAVIESS, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in CALLOWAY, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in FULTON, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in GRAVES, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in HENDERSON, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in HICKMAN, KENTUCKY
From 01-AUG-12 00:00:00 to 31-AUG-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency