
The Climate and Weather Committee evaluates precipitation and water supply information from around the state and notifies the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources should conditions warrant activating the Drought Assessment Committee (DAC). Missouri’s Drought Response Plan includes a progression of drought response actions to worsening effects of drought. If a Phase 2 - Drought Alert is declared by the Governor, the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will activate the DAC.
The DAC is a working group that reviews the recommendations of the Climate and Weather Committee and designates the drought levels for each county in Missouri. The DAC recommends the activation of and coordinates with representatives of Impact Teams for developing additional assessment information and identifying emergency needs. The DAC makes recommendations to the Governor concerning state-level or regional response and recovery. The DAC is also responsible for debriefing following a drought event and making revisions to Missouri's Drought Response Plan, as deemed necessary.
Current Status - Activated
In response to parts of Missouri experiencing rapidly escalating drought conditions, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 23-05 on May 31, 2023, declaring a drought alert for 60 Missouri counties. In the executive order, Governor Parson directed the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to activate the DAC and its impact teams.
Information about the DAC and its meetings is available below and are open to everyone. Attendance at these meetings may be in person, by conference call or through Webex. The department will attempt to correct technical difficulties as they arise, but the department cannot guarantee the quality of the Webex or conference call option. The meeting will not be subject to change or repeat due to any technical difficulties.
Individuals requiring special services or accommodations in order to attend a meeting can make arrangements by contacting the staff coordinator noted below at least 48 hours before the meeting. Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals may contact the staff coordinator through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966. Translation or interpretation services will be provided upon request at no charge. Call 573-522-9395 for assistance.
Staff Coordinator: Erin Fanning, Director, Water Resources Center, erin.fanning@dnr.mo.gov