This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

Sept. 26, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

Missouri officials: State starting to see drought conditions

drought

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri has seen a dramatic shift in weather patterns after a wet spring and summer, with drought conditions returning in late July and continuing into September.

According to University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor, by mid-September, 80% of the state was classified as abnormally dry, with 47% experiencing moderate drought.

Some areas, including southeastern Missouri and the St. Louis metro, faced severe drought conditions. August saw below-average rainfall, with portions of southeast Missouri recording their driest and hottest August on record.

While recent rain from Sept. 20-25 brought some relief, much of the state remains behind on rainfall over the past 60 to 90 days.

Experts warn that without additional rainfall, drought conditions could worsen, leading to challenges like crop stress, low pond levels, and increased fire risk. The next chance for significant rain could come from Hurricane Helene.