An abnormally dry start to November

The start of November has brought abnormally dry conditions to mid-Missouri. Until today, Columbia Regional Airport had only recorded .02″ of rainfall for the entire month. This is the driest start to November in over 5 years. Typically, we see rainfall totals by November 14th up to 1.51″. Luckily overnight showers brought Columbia and other parts of mid-Missouri more rainfall, but it wasn’t much.

A lot of the area remained dry through the overnight hours, but a few places received a light sprinkling. Columbia Regional Airport only recorded .12″ of rainfall last night. Some areas received up to .8″, but overall any rain we saw last night was limited to light rain showers or very brief downpours.

Any rain we receive could help us get out of drought conditions we are currently in across a good portion of the state. However, the lack of rainfall for the month of November has not been much help. Many mid-Missouri counties are experiencing abnormally dry conditions according to the U.S. drought monitor. As of November 9th Monroe, Audrain, Boone, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, and Pulaski Counties in a moderate drought.

Luckily, more rain is in the forecast, but yet again rainfall totals look limited. Friday we will see another cold front drop into the area bringing us a chance for showers and potentially a few thunderstorms as we head into Friday night. Any rain we do see will remain light.

Rainfall totals with this next system only range up to 0.25″. Stay up to date on changing drought conditions and rain chances with the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team.