Governor Extends Drought Alert

(Jefferson City, MO) Governor Mike Parson is extending Missouri's drought alert to September 1st by signing Executive Order 24-05.

The action directs continued coordination of resources and combined response efforts across state government until conditions improve in drought impacted areas. Lack of precipitation and below normal streamflow over the past year have kept Missouri under a drought alert continuously since May 31, 2023. Prior to that, a drought alert was active from July 2022 to March 2023.

In accordance with the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan, the executive order will continue the drought alert in Missouri counties with areas experiencing moderate or greater drought conditions. It will also extend to any other county that begins experiencing drought conditions consistent with the drought plan's phases and triggers table.

As of April 25, 11 Missouri counties are experiencing severe drought, 71 counties are experiencing moderate drought, and 86 counties are experiencing abnormally dry conditions.

Over the past year, the Drought Assessment Committee has overseen and helped coordinate multiple actions to mitigate the drought that will continue under this Executive Order. 

In addition, a variety of helpful resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought.