Stunted corn stalks in a large field with dry dirt during drought
A corn field in Dade county shows the effects of drought during the summer of 2022.

The amount of precipitation in a particular area varies from year to year, but over a period of years the average amount is fairly constant. A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems and other issues. When little or no rain falls, soils can dry out, plants can die and livestock can suffer. When dry weather persists, stream and river flows can decline, water levels in lakes and reservoirs can fall and water in wells and aquifers can decline. Drought can have a serious impact on health, agriculture, economies, energy and the environment.

Droughts can develop quickly or gradually over several weeks, months or even years, and worsened with extreme heat or wind. A drought can end just as quickly or gradually as it began, but more commonly persist for months. A single rainstorm may provide temporary relief, but its impact is short term. Thunderstorms often produce large amounts of rain in a very short time, causing the rain to run off into streams rather than soak into the ground. Several soaking rains may be required to recharge groundwater and break a drought.

The state's Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan includes a progression of drought response actions to worsening effects of drought. The following groups work on drought issues affecting Missouri:

Reporting Drought Conditions

Reports and photographs are essential tools used to assess drought conditions. The department encourages the public to submit information and photographs about conditions in their area in order to help local, state and national decision-makers assess drought conditions and impacts in Missouri. If you would like to submit drought-related conditions and impacts for your area, please fill out the survey form at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR)*

Tips and best practices for using CMOR, including how to download and use its field app, is available int he troubleshooting guide below. Additional information also is provided to learn how CMOR reports help the department achieve its goals. Please note, those uploading photos to CMOR using newer iPhones will need to change their photo format settings to “most compatible” to successfully add images. Users also don’t need a user account to submit CMOR reports, and can “continue without logging in” to proceed.

*The survey is a nationwide service developed by the National Drought Mitigation Center, based at the University of Nebraska, in partnership with the National Integrated Drought Information System and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

News

There are currently no active drought declarations. The Climate and Weather Committee meets regularly to monitor drought conditions. The department encourages the public to submit information and photographs about conditions in their area in order to help local, state and national decision-makers assess drought conditions and impacts in Missouri. If you would like to submit drought-related conditions and impacts for your area, please fill out the survey form at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR). 

News

Advisories/ Executive Orders

Assistance

The more proactive we are, the better we can help our farmers and citizens lessen the impact of even the most severe droughts. Listed below are resources currently available to assist our communities. Any additional resources will be added as they become available. For general information about responding to and recovering from a drought, please refer to the Drought section on the department's Disaster Response and Recovery webpage.

Agriculture

  • Water Opportunities - Missouri State Parks is providing free access to water for livestock producers at select boat ramp locations. Farmers will need to provide their own pumping and hauling equipment to fill their water tanks during normal park hours.
  • Hay Directory - Missouri Department of Agriculture
  • Hay Hauling Overwidth Permit - The Missouri Department of Transportation is offering a special overwidth hauling permit at no charge to help farmers and ranchers move hay as needed.
  • Feedstuff Finder - An online tool enabling feedstuff buyers and sellers to make connections on feedstuff sources by location, prices and product type.
  • Landowners wanting information about incorporating warm-season native grasses into their grazing systems can contact their local Missouri Department of Conservation office or MU Extension office. More information about the grazing benefits of native warm-season grasses can be found at mdc.mo.gov.
  • USDA Drought Resources - Has your agricultural operation been impacted by drought? USDA offers programs that can help with recovery as well as those that can help you manage risk and build resilience on your operation. Visit the USDA's Service Center Locator webpage to find your county’s contact or service center office.
  • Emergency Farm Loans - The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency's Emergency Loan Program is available to help eligible farmers and ranchers rebuild and recover from sustained losses. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs, including replacing essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganizing a farming operation or refinancing certain debts. Visit the USDA's national Emergency Designations webpage for more information on the disaster declaration process.
  • MU Extension - Information on various drought resources and connections to local specialists offering assistance is available to farmers through MU Extension.
  • Tax implications of forced cattle sales amid drought - Drought and high feed prices forced many producers to sell off part of their beef herd to survive. Congress recognizes the impact weather can have on producers, and has two special tax provisions to reduce income tax liabilities. However, consult your income tax professional first to assess your situation because it might cost you more in the future.
  • Feeling the weight of farm stress? Get confidential support 24/7 from friendly specialists who understand agriculture through the Missouri Department of Agricultures' AgriStress Helpline.
  • Landowners should contact their local county soil and water conservation district office for additional information and assistance. 

Energy

Public schools (K-12), public colleges and universities, city and county governments and public hospitals impacted by severe weather events or catastrophic equipment failure may apply for low-interest emergency energy loans to replace or upgrade damaged equipment. Applicants must submit their application within two months of the weather event. For more information, visit Emergency Energy Loans.

Water

For water supply concerns or questions, water systems should contact the department’s Public Drinking Water Branch for more information.

Wildfire Prevention 

During times of drought wildfire prevention is of key importance for public safety. Resident should be mindful when driving off road, building campfires or burning leaves and other debris. It also is essential for smokers to put out cigarettes completely and safely, as well as responsibly dispose of butts. More information is available at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Wildfire Prevention webpage

Visit the National Weather Service’s Fire Weather Outlooks webpage before conducting any prescribed burns on your property, or other activities that may ignite a wildfire. Resources to support prescribed burns are available at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Prescribed Fire webpage. Additional information on wildfire prevention can also be found at the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Missouri Natural Cover Fire Risk webpage.

Missouri Conditions

Water Levels

Precipitation

Nationwide Conditions

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