Alton, Mo. – According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of southern Missouri are experiencing drought conditions. Though the majority of the state has seen recent improvement with the rain received, southern Missouri, including Oregon County, is experiencing a severe drought. While the overall drought situation in Missouri is rare for this time of year, with most of the state currently out of drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows specific southern areas are seeing dry conditions
Where?
If you walk out your door, you see dry, dead grass that crinkles under your feet. There is no dew in the morning. Trees are drying up. Gardens already have. Any fruit trees or bushes have brown leaves. Ponds are drying up. While it did rain a little last week, the amount was negligible. Oregon County needs a long, soft rain. So does most of southern Missouri. From south of Springfield across to the Mississippi River, we are definitely in a drought. NOAA goes so far as to say that we are in a severe drought.
What To Do?
The basic answer is to pray for rain. Next, take extra precautions for livestock and outdoor plants. With high temperatures, they need additional water. Due to dry conditions, a burn ban is in effect. Try to conserve water.
According to the Missouri drought map, our area has worsened compared to a week ago. The short-term outlook is very dry for the region. Although no rain is in the forecast, there are smatterings of possible passing showers at different times next week. We can hope for several downpours!
