Recent Rainfall Provides Short-Term Relief From Drought Conditions

By Gordon HopkinsDespite some recent, and very welcome, rainfall, much of Nebraska is likely to continue to suffer from the drought conditions that have plagued portions of the state since 2020.The rainfall has brought some short-term relief to southeast Nebraska. Precipitation data for July thus far shows that much of Nebraska has received above-average rainfall. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) drought monitor currently shows Jefferson County as abnormally dry, while Gage County is a mix of abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions.According to a UNL analysis, central northern Kansas, southeastern Nebraska, and South Dakota showed shorter-term precipitation (past 30-60 days) was normal to above normal, “These areas were showing improvements in other drought indicators including soil moisture, streamflow activity, and crop-related vegetation health indices.”While the recent moisture is needed, it will take considerably more rain to produce any long-term improvements.Meanwhile, the City of Fairbury remains under a stage two water conservation notice.Fairbury Mayor Kelly Davis is requesting residents conserve water usage. Per §51.48 (C) (3) of the Municipal Code, residential water usage will be regulated with: Addresses ending in even numbers are to limit outdoor water usage, including watering lawns, washing vehicles, etc. to even calendar days. Usage will be restricted to before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m. Addresses ending in odd numbers are to limit their outdoor water usage, including watering lawns, washing vehicles, etc., to odd calendar days.Usage will be restricted to before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m.

Jefferson County Increases Zoning Fees

Karen Kay Pickett

Related Articles

High Winds Fuel Multiple Wild Fires in SE Nebraska

Sen. Ricketts Makes the Case for War

City Offices Closed During Move

A Broken Wire Over Railroad Tracks Leaves City in the Dark