LINCOLN, Neb. — Much of Kansas experienced significantly warmer-than-normal temperatures this week, while drought conditions worsened across portions of western Kansas and improved in parts of the eastern half of the state following heavy rainfall.
According to the latest regional climate summary, average temperatures across southern Kansas climbed into the mid-70s, with many locations running 6 to 12 degrees above historical averages. Some areas in southern Kansas recorded temperatures more than 12 degrees above normal for this time of year.
The unusual early-season heat extended into Nebraska and Colorado, while northern portions of the High Plains, including the Dakotas and northern Wyoming, saw more seasonal conditions with temperatures closer to normal.
Despite the warmth, much of western Kansas remained extremely dry. Large portions of western Kansas and neighboring states received less than one-half inch of precipitation during the week, with many areas recording less than one-tenth of an inch.
The lack of rainfall contributed to worsening drought conditions across parts of the state. Extreme drought, classified as D3 on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale, expanded in southwestern Kansas. Dry conditions also intensified in portions of Colorado and Wyoming.
In contrast, eastern Kansas saw significant rainfall from strong thunderstorms and convective activity during the week. Some areas received between 2.5 and 5.5 inches of rain, with totals running well above normal.
The heavy rainfall led to improvements in drought conditions across eastern Kansas, where areas ranging from moderate to extreme drought saw some relief. Similar improvements were also reported in parts of Nebraska, northern Colorado and southern Wyoming.
Climate officials said the sharp contrast between dry western areas and wetter eastern regions highlights the continued variability in weather patterns across the central Plains.