By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays has received .57 inches of rain in the last 48 hours, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

The city has received 6.26 inches of rain year to date. That compares to an average of 3.33 inches of rain for the month of May and a 7.92-inch average year to date by the end of May.

The Kansas Drought Monitor, as of Tuesday, had Ellis County listed as abnormally dry, which has improved from moderate drought thanks to recent rains.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63fda5dc-a904-4084-af5c-acc865c4f65a">The cities of Hays and Russell still opted for a water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir to recharge wells that serve the cities.</a>

Releasing water during late spring maximizes its benefit. Cooler temperatures and lower levels of plant activity in May enable more of the released water to seep into the groundwater, replenishing the aquifer efficiently.

That water release began on Monday and will continue through May 16.

The forecast calls for a slight chance of showers between 2 and 4 p.m. today and a 10% chance before 7 p.m. The high today is forecast to be 72.

The forecast through Monday is sunny and clear with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays has received .57 inches of rain in the last 48 hours, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.The city has received 6.26 inches of rain year to date. That compares to an average of 3.33 inches of rain for the month of May and a 7.92-inch average year to date by the end of May.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746717132196.png" alt="Kansas Drought Monitor as of Tuesday." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Drought Monitor as of Tuesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Drought Monitor, as of Tuesday, had Ellis County listed as abnormally dry, which has improved from moderate drought thanks to recent rains.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/63fda5dc-a904-4084-af5c-acc865c4f65a">The cities of Hays and Russell still opted for a water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir to recharge wells that serve the cities.</a>Releasing water during late spring maximizes its benefit. Cooler temperatures and lower levels of plant activity in May enable more of the released water to seep into the groundwater, replenishing the aquifer efficiently.That water release began on Monday and will continue through May 16.The forecast calls for a slight chance of showers between 2 and 4 p.m. today and a 10% chance before 7 p.m. The high today is forecast to be 72.The forecast through Monday is sunny and clear with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

Hays receives more rain Wednesday; drought eases