Air Quality
Air quality in Kentucky's Louisville industrial corridor faces periodic issues from manufacturing and power plant emissions, though it has improved since the 1990s.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored Kentucky counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
Wildfires
Wildfires are a minor risk in Kentucky compared to Western states, though eastern forested Appalachian counties see occasional seasonal fires.
Drought
Drought risk in Kentucky is generally low to moderate given its humid climate, though periodic summer dry spells affect agriculture.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Water Usage
Kentucky's water usage is dominated by thermoelectric power generation and industrial manufacturing along the Ohio River.
Emissions
Kentucky's greenhouse gas emissions per capita are among the highest in the U.S., largely due to its heavy reliance on coal-fired power generation.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTOKYA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTOKYA).
Climate Indicators
Kentucky experiences a humid continental/subtropical climate with increasing flood risk along the Ohio River and more frequent extreme rainfall events.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.