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Introductory Remarks: Drought in a Water-rich Environment

Explore the historical context and impacts of drought in Kentucky, from the record-breaking drought of 1930 to the recent droughts in 2012 and 2016. Gain insights into the natural climate variability and the indicators and impacts of drought in this water-rich environment.

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Introductory Remarks: Drought in a Water-rich Environment

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  1. Introductory Remarks: Drought in a Water-rich Environment Stuart A. Foster Kentucky Climate Center Department of Geography and Geology Western Kentucky University U.S. Drought Monitor Forum September 17-19, 2019 Bowling Green, Kentucky

  2. Providing Context for the USDM Forum 0.06” A Trace 4 times since 1895 16 of 19 Other than 1998, the most since the record year of 1939 By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2560897

  3. A Remarkably Wet Period in Kentucky2010 - 2019

  4. Natural Climate Variability May 2010 October 2010 May 2011 July 2012

  5. Historical Perspective on Drought in Kentucky

  6. Kentucky’s Drought of Record: 1930-31 • At least one climate division was in moderate or more intense drought for 20 consecutive months beginning in April of 1930 and continuing through November 1931 • All of Kentucky was in extreme drought for 12 consecutive months: July 1930 – June 1931 • Record dryness was accompanied by record heat

  7. The 1930 Drought and the Famous Swimming Rabbit of Hickman, Kentucky

  8. 3.22” Precipitation on March 8th 4.40” Precipitation for the spring season 99.4° Average high temperature from June 28th through July 8th Dimensions of the 2012 Drought Graves County, Kentucky Based on data from the Kentucky Mesonet Credit: S. Foster, Mayfield, KY, July 27, 2012

  9. Impacts of the 2012 Drought in Western Kentucky

  10. 2016 Drought Impacts Images provided by Steve Kull, Kentucky Division of Forestry

  11. 2016 Drought in Historical Perspective

  12. Was it a Drought?

  13. Linking Indicators and Impacts: When is a Drought a Drought? “Drought is an experience, not an event.”

  14. Drought of 1930 “It has been dry so long that most of the springs and streams in the hills south of Hickman are dry, many of them dry for the first time in fifty years, and farmers are hauling water for their cattle and for their own use, some of them being forced to haul in ten miles. Rabbits, snakes, and birds, unable to find water in the country, have been forced to seek the river. Monday, with the mercury over 100, a young rabbit, evidently crazed with the heat and thirst, loped through the streets and boldly plunged into the river. It started swimming toward Missouri, but the waves forced it back and the current carried it below town. Finally the rabbit landed on some logs along the bank. It is extremely unusual for rabbits to go swimming but natural history is being rewritten during this long drouth and heat wave.”

  15. *** Data value for September 2019 is a subjective forecast ***

  16. *** Data value for September 2019 is a subjective forecast ***

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