The National Weather Service says drought conditions are holding steady for much of Kansas, with one percent of the state in exceptional drought conditions and 19 percent in extreme drought, with 25 percent of the state in severe drought conditions.

The Weather Service’s latest Climate and Drought Information report said conditions have improved over much of western and southeastern Kansas, but conditions have worsened for east-central and northeast areas of the state.   The worst areas have been in central and south central areas and part of southeast Kansas.   Soil conditions have been drier than normal over the northeastern half of the state, and they have been wetter than normal in southwest Kansas.

The Weather Service said an El Nino weather pattern has developed for the U.S. and it typically leads to cooler than normal conditions for the fall, with slightly wetter than normal conditions for the central plains.

The report said drought conditions are expected to continue for northeast Kansas through December, and there is expected to be improvement across the rest of the state.

The City of Wichita remains under Stage 1 of its drought response plan.  That involves an internal conservation plan, carrying out the water rebate program for residents who buy water-saving appliances, and steps to reduce lawn and gardening water usage.   Cheney Reservoir, which provides half of the city’s drinking water, is at a 79 percent moving average.   That will have to drop to 70 percent to put the city at Stage 2.   Mayor Brandon Whipple said the city is asking residents to conserve water when they can to allow the city to stay in Stage 1.   It’s expected that the city will remain in Stage 1 through early 2024, depending on additional rainfall.