By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Parts of Ellis County remain in extreme drought as of the end of the year despite some snow over the holidays.
Northern Ellis County is one of a few Kansas counties that remains in extreme drought.
Most of the rest of the county is listed as being in severe drought, according to the latest drought monitor map released on Thursday.
Hays ended the year with 21.5 inches of precipitation and 1.6 inches for December. That was below the 23.99 inches for the annual average for the city.
Although Hays received closer to its average precipitation for 2023, 2o22 was an exceptionally dry year for the region.
The drought monitor has lifted the drought label from areas in far southwest Kansas.
Snow is in the forecast throughout the coming week. Hays could receive 2 inches of snow overnight into Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain or a rain/snow mix is forecast again Sunday night through Monday night.