Parts of Mid-Missouri in moderate drought

The latest drought monitor released Thursday morning from the Climate Prediction Center is reporting abnormally dry conditions worsening to all counties in Mid-Missouri.

Parts of Mid-Missouri are in a moderate drought as of Thursday, including northern Boone, Callaway, southern Audrain, Howard, Saline, Chariton, Randolph, and parts of Monroe county.

At the Columbia Regional Airport, we’re 1.46″ of rain below our yearly average, and have only seen 1.17″ of rain since September 1. Typically between September 1 and now, we see 4.73″ of rain. We are 0.97″ behind for October so far.

With light rain in the forecast Thursday night-Friday, most areas will stay dry, and the long range forecast models show a dry weather pattern through mid October. For additional weather updates follow @ABC17Stormtrack on twitter.