The dry stretch in Bowling Green and Warren County is not letting up. WBKO's Reagan Hurt reported Oct. 21 that "the lack of rainfall is playing a toll on the region," and that dry weather is expected to continue through the weekend and into early next week.
The Details
- Drought status: WBKO reports that most of the region is in moderate drought, and that the category "could change with tomorrow's update." The Country Herald reported Oct. 19 that Bowling Green and Warren County are in moderate drought (D1) on the U.S. Drought Monitor.
- Forecast: The Country Herald reports that National Weather Service forecasters in Louisville have high confidence that dry conditions will persist through the week. WBKO says forecast agreement drops after next Tuesday, so the chance of rain after that is uncertain. WBKO did not give a rain percentage, so check the NWS and WBKO forecasts for updates.
- Temperatures: WBKO says mornings will be around 40 degrees, with some spots dipping into the 30s, and highs will be in the mid-70s for the rest of the week.
What It Means for Outdoor Burning
Warren County has used burn bans this year. WBKO reported on Sept. 2 that Judge-Executive Doug Gorman ordered a ban on outdoor burning and fireworks in Bowling Green and Warren County on the recommendation of the Bowling Green and Warren County fire departments. WKYT reported in a Sept. 11 roundup that Warren County lifted the ban Friday.
We could not find a report of a new Warren County or Bowling Green burn ban in October, and we could not confirm that none is in effect. Check ahead with the Warren County Judge-Executive's office or the Bowling Green Fire Department before burning anything.
The Country Herald says another week without meaningful rain could raise the potential for fire spread, especially where dry vegetation and fallen leaves are present, and urges residents planning to burn leaves to check with county officials or local fire departments first.
State rules also apply. According to WBKO's October 2025 coverage, Kentucky's fall forest fire hazard season runs Oct. 1 to Dec. 15, and open burning is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. within 150 feet of woodland or brushland. We did not find a 2026 announcement, so confirm current dates with the Kentucky Division of Forestry.
Before You Burn
- Ask the county or your fire department whether a ban is active today.
- Check with organizers of any outdoor fall events for weather-related notices; we found none.
- For lawn and garden watering guidance, check with the Warren County extension office.
Sources: WBKO, Country Herald, WKYT.