Weather Kansas: Heavy rainfall eases drought in some areas
WICHITA, Kansas – A substantial three-day rainfall event has brought much-needed relief to several drought-stricken areas across central and northern Kansas, with some locations receiving over 5 inches (127 mm) of rain.
Significant totals recorded across Kansas counties
Jewell County, in northern Kansas, recorded the highest rainfall total with 5.4 inches (137 mm) falling 9.3 miles north of Esbon. This heavy downpour led to White Rock Creek running at notably high levels, as shared by the Jewell County Sheriff’s Office.
Meanwhile, central Kansas also experienced widespread soaking rains, with Chase, Harvey, and Marion counties receiving between 2 and 4 inches (51–102 mm). Specifically, near Strong City in Chase County, 3.91 inches (99 mm) were measured, while several points near Halstead in Harvey County logged more than 3 inches (76 mm).
County-by-county breakdown
In Chase County, totals included:
- 3.91 inches (99 mm) north-northwest of Strong City
- 3.01 inches (76 mm) southeast of Wonsevu
- 2.40 inches (61 mm) south-southeast of Cottonwood Falls
Harvey County saw:
- 3.29 inches (84 mm) southwest of Halstead
- 2.99 inches (76 mm) west-northwest of Halstead
- Multiple readings above 2.5 inches (64 mm) surrounding Halstead
Marion County received:
- 2.71 inches (69 mm) near Goessel
- 2.43 inches (62 mm) in Goessel
- Several readings around Tampa, Marion, and Burns ranging from 2 to 2.15 inches (51–55 mm)
In Saline County, 2.98 inches (76 mm) were recorded east-southeast of Bridgeport, and Ellsworth County saw 2.35 inches (60 mm) northwest of Marquette.
Other notable totals included:
- 2.16 inches (55 mm) near Canton in McPherson County
- 2.03 inches (52 mm) northeast of Pretty Prairie in Reno County
Lower rainfall in Sedgwick and Reno counties
In the Sedgwick County area, including parts of the Wichita metro, rainfall was less dramatic, generally staying between 0.97 and 1.66 inches (25–42 mm). The highest total was 1.66 inches (42 mm) in Andale, while northwest Wichita picked up nearly an inch (25 mm).
Cheney Lake remains below normal
Despite the recent rains, Cheney Lake, a vital reservoir in south-central Kansas, remains 7.84 feet below its normal level as of Tuesday, indicating that long-term drought concerns persist, particularly in the south-central region.
This week’s widespread rains, however, have eased dry conditions in many parts of Kansas, especially in northern and central counties, offering a temporary reprieve for agriculture and local waterways.
