KC Reporter

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has extended the state's drought alert until September 1, 2024, due to worsening conditions brought on by prolonged dryness. The decision to extend the alert was made in response to the struggles faced by farmers, ranchers, and concerns over commercial navigation along riverways. Governor Parson acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, "the reality is we’re facing conditions worse now than a year ago."

According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the lack of precipitation and below normal streamflow over the past year have kept the state under a continuous drought alert since May 31, 2023. The department's Drought Assessment Committee recommended the extension of the alert after expert testimony highlighted the unseasonably warm weather and continued dry conditions in the state. Low streamflow levels and a lack of plains and mountain snowpack were also cited as ongoing concerns.

As of April 25, 11 Missouri counties are experiencing severe drought, 71 counties are experiencing moderate drought, and 86 counties are facing abnormally dry conditions. To address the challenges posed by the drought, multiple actions have been taken, including emergency water pumping and haying opportunities for farmers on public lands, variances approved by the Soil and Water Districts Commission, and monitoring of drinking water reservoir systems by the Department of Natural Resources.

The Department of Transportation is offering permits for over-width loads to transport hay, while the Missouri Hydrology Information Center partnership is expanding soil moisture and stream gauge networks to provide a more accurate account of water resources across the state. Additionally, the Soil and Water Conservation Commission has allocated over $3.6 million to landowners and cooperators in communities to help mitigate the effects of the drought.

Local condition reports are deemed crucial to understanding the impacts of the drought, and the public is encouraged to submit information about local conditions through Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR). Resources and assistance opportunities related to drought mitigation can be found online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought. The Department of Natural Resources is continuously updating the website with relevant information.

It is important to note that the Missouri Department of Conservation has warned about the increased risk of wildfires due to drought conditions. For tips on preventing wildfires, individuals can visit MDC's wildfire prevention website.

For further details, the Executive Order 24-05 signed by Governor Parson can be viewed [here](#).