Drought in Kentucky, December 1 to 31, 1999

Western Kentucky continued to flirt with severe drought conditions into early winter. The Palmer Drought Index indicated severe drought conditions at the start of December. Heavy rainfall amounts of up to 3 inches at mid month moderated the drought, but then no rain fell for the remainder of the month, which again placed western Kentucky on the verge of a severe drought. Burning bans were in effect for most counties until the heavy rain at mid month. The city of Marion, located about 30 miles northeast of Paducah, experienced the most serious water supply problems. On December 2, residents of Marion were asked to voluntarily conserve water due to low water levels on its two reservoirs. Lake George was 8 feet below normal pool elevation, and was holding only about 62 million gallons in late November. Normally, the lake holds 146 million gallons. The continuing drought shriveled waterfowl habitat, especially for geese and ducks. Western Kentucky's goose-hunting season, normally a big attraction to hunters from around the country, was dealt a major setback. December Christmas tree sales were hurt by the drought. Most tree seedlings were killed during the drought, but only 10 to 20 percent of the mature trees died. Wildfire activity continued above normal. A large forest fire occurred in the Trigg County portion of the Land Between The Lakes Recreation Area early in the month. No acreage estimate was available. A brush fire in northwest McCracken County late in the month burned about 20 acres.