How much rain will it take to get out of the drought?

Governor Mike Parson signed an executive order declaring a drought alert for the state of Missouri on the 29th.

This drought alert is in effect until March 31, 2025, because long-standing problems may arise.

The current drought monitor has shown an increase in extreme drought in the southwestern parts of the state, while severe drought has crept into the northeast and into Cole County.

Conditions have continued to deteriorate over the past month as much of Mid-Missouri is about 2 inches below where we should be. The largest shortage exists in the southwestern part of Mid-Missouri.

Over the past year, rainfall has been found to be healthier in many parts of Osage, Gasconade and Montgomery counties, while Monroe counties and nearby areas are well below average.

The next five days show hope in terms of rainfall forecasts as some areas could receive more than 2 inches of rain via multiple cold fronts, potentially helping to provide drought relief to the worst affected areas of drought.

It takes more than a week of rain to successfully combat long-term drought, as the soil works slowly to absorb the moisture.

The longer rainfall outlook offers more hope as wetter than average conditions are expected over the six to 10 day period.