Increasing drought conditions, rain outlook

The last month with above average rainfall was September. Each month since then, we have been drier than the 30 year averages. So far this February, we have only gotten .01″ rain. Along with the dry conditions, we have also had above average temperatures. As of mid-February, our average monthly temperature is 6.7 degrees above average.

The latest drought monitor shows the moderate drought has expanded to include areas along and east of HWY 63 with abnormally dry conditions for the rest of Mid-Missouri. The dry, warm weather pattern we are in will hold through February 23rd with only slight chances of rain starting on the 21st. However, if we get rain, it looks like amounts will stay light.

The weather pattern is expected to change toward the end of February with a better chance of rain by the weekend of the 25th. The 8-14 day precipitation outlook from February 24 through March 2 puts Missouri in a better chance for above average precipitation.