After experiencing drought in 2022 and 2023, Missourians were eager for a wet growing season. Missouri saw above-average statewide monthly precipitation from April to July, said University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor.
On July 23, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported only 1.1% of the state as abnormally dry, and there was no drought in Missouri. Some areas were even dealing with too much water, with 160 flash flood and 297 river flood warnings in Missouri from April to July, Leasor said. Midway through July, however, much of the state started to dry out, and this pattern continued into August.
Preliminary statewide average precipitation during August was 2.81 inches, 0.91 inches below the monthly average. Portions of southeast Missouri received less than half an inch of rainfall during August, and Pemiscot County recorded its third-driest August on record. Seven other counties in southeastern Missouri recorded a top-five warmest August on record.
PHOTO: As a drought continues, pond waters can drop to dangerous levels. (Bob Pierce – University of Missouri Extension.)
