By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The recent soaking rains in much of Kansas resulting from the remnants of Hurricane Polo helped improve the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map for the state.
Nearly the entire north one-third of Kansas counties is currently ranked as drought-free.
As of October 6, 96.13% of Kansas is listed with no drought. Just 3.87% of the state, including portions of the extreme northwest corner, are in the lowest ranking of a moderate drought.
So far in October, Hays is above average precipitation for the month.
According to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town, Hays has received 2.83 inches of rain as of Oct. 8. The 159-cumulative-year average for October is 2.15 inches of moisture.
Hays is also above average in precipitation for the year, with 23.45 inches measured. The average is 22.50 inches by the end of October.
The three-day weather forecast is calling for unseasonably warm temperatures, with highs in the upper 80s.