Trees drop leaves weeks ahead of schedule as drought returns to Mid-MO
Just a few weeks ago, much of Mid-Missouri was green and humid. Now, drought is creeping back in after a dry end to summer, and fire danger is also climbing as vegetation starts to turn brown weeks ahead of schedule.
Ben Webster, Fire Program Coordinator with the Missouri Department of Conservation, says he noticed a turn in conditions around early July.
"We had a good spring up through the end of June... but then starting in July, we've seen that drying trend. The heat and humidity are still here, but we're just not getting that precipitation," Webster said.
Without regular rainfall, leaves, grass, sticks, and branches all become fuel for fires to spread. But this year, the debris on the ground isn't the only thing drying out. Local trees are also showing signs of stress.
"We're seeing a lot of the hickory trees, the elm trees, even some of the oaks, which are a little more drought-tolerant, are starting to turn brown and drop their leaves. Conditions we wouldn't see till early or mid-fall, we're seeing now," Webster said.
Trees dropping leaves early is a defense mechanism to conserve water when moisture is scarce. But this can lead to leaves curing and dropping early, weeks before the typical fall transition. More dry leaves on the ground means more fuel ready to burn if a fire starts.
Just yesterday, on Labor Day, the Tri-County Fire Protection District reported a natural cover fire that grew to more than 10 acres in Camden County. High winds helped fuel the fire's spread before crews were able to get it under control.
Webster says incidents like this become more common as conditions dry out, and he's watching the forecast ahead.
"If it's hot, dry, especially if there's any sort of wind, take care. Be aware of where the embers and any ash may be settling," Webster said.
He urged caution as people head out for fall activities like hunting and grilling. Watch charcoal embers closely, Webster says, and remain vigilant while out on ATVs. Sparks can quickly grow into a dangerous situation.
Without meaningful rainfall in the next couple of weeks, he expects more fires like the one in Camden County. And even if Mid-Missouri catches a good rain this week, Webster cautions against thinking the drought risk is over.
"It would relieve some of the conditions very temporarily. But it will not be a long-term fix to the drought conditions we're seeing," he said.
