LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — More than 45 million people across 14 southern states, including Kentucky, are experiencing what scientists call a ‘flash drought.’ That is according to a U.S. Drought Monitor report released on Thursday.
According to the report, many areas of the southeast region had their warmest and driest September on record. This has accelerated drought conditions, which are cracking farm soil, dropping lake levels, and raising the risk of wildfires.
Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina are now experiencing extreme drought conditions.
Even though this area will see a cool down soon, it doesn't mean we're in the clear.
"That's going to be followed up with extreme temperatures going up. Higher record-breaking heat, record-breaking drought and this is going to extend into an extreme drought condition all the way into December unfortunately,” said Ludie Bond, a Public Information Officer with the Daniel Boone National Forest. She was given a long range forecast on Thursday.
In order to combat problems caused by the drought conditions, some states and municipalities have ordered burn bans or reduced water use.
