Climate Matters: Missouri drought contributes to historic year of expensive disasters

The new drought monitor is out for Mid-MO and even after an increase in rain recently, we still see a large portion of the state in some form of drought. The current picture is somewhat better than even several months ago, but this abnormal dry period has been with us now since 2022. This multi-year drought has cost the state millions and contributed to a historic year of billion-dollar disasters nationwide.

2023 broke records everywhere you look especially when considering disasters and extreme weather events. 28 large-scale disasters hit the U.S. just last year, costing over a billion dollars each; this includes the destructive Maui wildfires, flooding from atmospheric rivers in California and the west, and the extreme and prolonged Midwest drought.

Last year's drought was exceptional as Missouri State Climatologist Zack Leasor says we recorded the 7th driest growing season for the Show-Me state. This has brought some of the worst impacts to the agriculture industry, with livestock particularly impacted this year due to feed and hay issues. Leasor notes the last time Missouri saw a rolling drought like this was back in 2007-2009.

Recent rainfall has been able to bring some relief, but long-term outlooks continue to highlight persistent drought in our region. With the duration of the drought still extending, it will also take longer to recover. As we are already coming back up on the growing season, recharging surface water amounts will be crucial to prepare for the summer. Zack Leasor says clearing drought by April will be a good goal to aim for to reinvigorate the environment.