Drought alert declared for Missouri
Payton Counts
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-29 declaring a drought alert for Missouri until Dec. 1, 2025.
At the time the order was signed, the U.S Drought Monitor indicated that all or portions of 85 counties were experiencing moderate, severe or extreme drought.
“This executive order allows our state agencies to step in and direct resources to those struggling with the consequences of drought, while allowing for vigilant monitoring of conditions over the next few months,” Kehoe said.
Some counties in northwest Missouri are abnormally dry but have not reached the moderate drought stage, making our area not yet under the alert.
However, if dry conditions persist and those areas reach the moderate drought stage, they will be declared under a drought alert in accordance with the Missouri Drought Mitigation Plan.
“Most of the state had a dry August and dry September,” said Missouri State Climatologist Zach Leasor, “We really need a wetter than average October and November to fully recover from the drought.”
Leasor added, he’s not seeing any indication of a wet October, meaning conditions could worsen.
This early response to the pending worsening drought can greatly reduce negative impacts, including increasing wildfires, habitat loss, crop failure, decreased water quantity and quality.
Residents experiencing worsening drought conditions can submit information at www. droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx
The U.S Drought Monitor is updated every Thursday.
To find the most up-to-date map, go to www.drought.gov/states/missouri.