Some parts of Missouri are now under extreme drought

A continued dry weather pattern across the state of Missouri has contributed to a worsening drought across parts of state, including some areas in mid-Missouri. As of February 13, areas just to the east of mid-Mo have been updated to an extreme drought, which includes a small sliver of Gasconade County. Dryness has dominated eastern Missouri as rain and snowfall for the past 6 months has been 25-50% below average– that’s a deficit of 6 to 12 inches.

A little closer to home in the central part of the state, we also saw an intensifying drought. Specifically, last week, areas of Callaway and Osage Counties were only under abnormally dry conditions, but that has since worsened to a moderate drought. However, many parts of mid-Missouri are still only under abnormally dry conditions, mainly isolated to the southwest.

A weather pattern shift by early next week could provide some relief. By Monday, widespread rain chances will provide way to more significant rainfall accumulation. With more rain in the forecast parts of mid-Missouri could see rainfall totals as high as 3″ within the next week, especially as you head closer to I-44. Hopefully this will aid in lifting the dry conditions across the area.