Moderate drought worsens in Mid-Missouri

The newest drought monitor released October 22 reflects that moderate drought has spread across parts of Mid-Missouri.

All of Mid-Missouri is still abnormally dry, with moderate drought extending into Howard, Chariton, Randolph, Monroe, Callaway, Audrain, Osage, Cole, Cooper, Pettis, Saline, Maries, and Gasconade counties.

Only 1.22″ of rain has fallen since September 1 at the Columbia Regional Airport, putting us well below average.

In September and October of 2014 we picked up more than 16 inches of rain. During the previous 20 years, we’ve had at least 2″ of rainfall during these months. 1995 is the most comparable year to 2015 at 1.5″ of total rainfall.

Measurable rain is in the forecast Friday through Saturday, bringing a much welcomed 0.50″ to 1″ in spots. Forecast models are indicating next Tuesday-Wednesday may bring measurable rainfall as well, and possibly Halloween weekend.