News

Most of Missouri behind in precipitation

Much of Missouri remains in a drought.  East-central, southeastern and south-central Missouri face the worst precipitation deficits, but there are also dry pockets in northern Missouri, according to Pat Guinan, climatologist at the University of Missouri Extension Service.  This past September through January was Missouri’s driest September to January in 40 years, said Guinan, with a little more than eight inches of precipitation, about half of normal for those five months.  November and December precipitation was not quite 2 inches, or about 30 percent of normal.

The dry weather has resulted in livestock producers facing dwindling hay reserves, while row crop farmers are worried about upcoming planting season.

But there’s still time for improvement, he said, adding that southeast Missouri has the best chance for drought recovery in February and March.

Graphic by The National Drought Mitigation Center University of Nebraska-Lincoln