Hays Post
After two years of drought, signs of the drought easing in Ellis County were finally reported Thursday.
The Kansas Drought Monitor map showed all of Ellis County out of exceptional drought, the highest level that the monitor reports.
Eastern Ellis County still remains in extreme drought, but western areas of the county have been downgraded to severe drought.
Areas of far western Kansas are no longer shown in the drought zone, according to the monitor report, which was released Thursday.
Hays is above normal for rain for the month of August. It has already received 3.53 inches of rain this month compared to an average of 2.97 inches.
However, Hays is still about an inch behind its average year-to-date rainfall.
Hays received about a half inch of rain during the weekend, but other areas of the county received so much rain flash flooding occurred. Cathedral Boulevard in Victoria had to temporarily be closed because of street flooding last weekend.
The forecast for Hays is very hot and dry for the next week. Highs are forecast to be above 100 degrees through Thursday with a high of 107 forecast for Saturday.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Ellis County for Saturday.
The service warns residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.