Kansas Drought-free after Six Years

By Associated Press

Published May 21, 2016 at 5:21 PM CDT

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) For the first time in nearly six years, Kansas is officially considered drought-free. The Hutchinson News reports that the current U.S. Drought Monitor map of Kansas shows no drought in the state for the first time since July 13, 2010. One of the worst droughts in the state's history began in the summer of 2010. The drought fluctuated but as late as April 12, 2016, 97 percent of Kansas showed some drought conditions. Rains in April and May helped wipe out the last of the drought, at least for now. Rainfall amounts in those months included more than four inches in Salina and Garden City, and more than seven inches in Hays. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the 2011 and 2012 droughts cost farmers nearly $5 billion in crop losses.

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