By Blake Jackson
Missouri experienced a rollercoaster of weather patterns in 2024. After a wet spring and early summer, the state began to dry out in mid-July, leading to drought conditions in many areas.
According to University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor, Missouri saw above-average statewide monthly precipitation from April to July.
However, this trend reversed in August, with preliminary data showing a statewide average precipitation of 2.81 inches, 0.91 inch below the monthly average.
Southeastern Missouri was particularly hard hit by the drought, with some areas receiving less than 0.5 inch of rainfall in August.
Pemiscot County recorded its third-driest August on record, and seven other counties experienced a top five warmest August.
While Hurricane Francine provided some relief to southeastern Missouri in September, the rest of the state remained dry during the first half of the month. Columbia and Kansas City received only trace amounts of rain during this period.
As a result, by September 19, over 80% of Missouri was classified as abnormally dry, with 47% of the state in moderate drought.
Severe drought conditions were reported in southeastern Missouri, the St. Louis metro area, and west-central Missouri.
The drought has had significant impacts on agriculture, including dry pastures, reduced hay availability, crop stress in soybeans, and low pond levels.
“Fortunately, a multiday event brought beneficial rainfall to nearly all of Missouri from Sept. 20-25,” says Leasor. “However, much of the state remains behind on rainfall over the past 60 to 90 days.”
The Climate Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 33%-50% chance of a drier-than average October for the state.
“Without additional rainfall, the state could expect the persistence or degradation of drought conditions,” he says. “Fall drought impacts can include an increased fire risk, difficulties with fall hay cutting and cover crop planting, and low stream flow. The state’s next chance for significant rainfall will come with the remnants of Hurricane Helene.”
Photo Credit: igor-stevanovic
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Weather