Sporadic Downgrades For Missouri In Weekly Drought Monitor

Several more counties across northern and eastern Missouri entered moderate drought condition according to the weekly update from the U.S. Drought Monitor. This week’s map indicates that a majority of Shelby and Washington, along with northern St Charles, northern St François, central Ste Genevieve, and northern St Louis counties, fell into the first stage of drought this week. Severe drought appeared in Gentry County, along with southern Nodaway, northern Andrew, and westernmost Platte counties. Expansion of abnormal dryness also occurred last week in Cape Girardeau, Madison, northern Bollinger, southern Iron, northwestern Wayne, and the remainder of Perry and Reynolds counties.

Areas of Missouri in drought now total almost 55 percent, up three points on the week. That includes 0.9 percent of the state remaining in extreme drought and 18.1 percent of the state in severe drought. Another 27.8 percent of Missouri is in abnormal dryness.