Paducah, Ky. – Dry conditions are worsening across Kentucky and much of the Midwest, raising concerns for farmers, shippers, and communities that rely on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows moderate to severe drought stretching from western Kentucky into Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, soil moisture has fallen below seasonal norms, leading to reduced streamflows and declining crop conditions. The Ohio River is running at lower levels than usual for early September, and navigation restrictions are beginning to impact commercial shipping along the Mississippi.
Farmers in western Kentucky counties including McCracken, Graves, and Hickman report stressed crops and increased irrigation demands. Cattle producers are also facing higher feed costs as pastures dry out. Transportation officials warn that falling water levels could soon force barges to carry lighter loads, slowing grain exports at a critical time ahead of harvest.
Emergency managers urge residents to conserve water where possible and prepare for ongoing impacts if rain does not arrive soon. The National Integrated Drought Information System reports that conditions are likely to expand further across the Midwest in the coming weeks.
Drought advisories remain in effect through next week, with additional updates expected if conditions worsen
