Missouri Drought Conditions are 10th Worst in U.S.

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Captain Experiences, a fishing and hunting guide reservation platform, released a new report Monday, about the U.S. locations experiencing the worst drought conditions this year. A complete data breakout for Missouri was released. 

Missouri ranked the 10th worst state for drought conditions. Here is a complete data breakout for Missouri, which has seen the 10th worst drought conditions of any U.S. state so far:

For the United States:

• In the first half of 2024, an average of 25.5% of the U.S. population, equating to over 85 million Americans, experienced abnormally dry conditions or worse in any given week. Of these, about 11.4 million (3.4%) faced severe drought or worse.
• Economically, droughts affect several industries reliant on a steady water supply. The impacts are perhaps most pronounced in the agricultural sector, with crops failing and livestock suffering due to lack of water and food to graze on. This not only affects farmers' livelihoods, but also leads to higher food prices for consumers.
• Socially, droughts can lead to water rationing and restrictions, affecting daily life and increasing tensions in communities. Recreational activities like fishing, boating, and hiking are also impacted when lake levels recede, rivers run dry, or public land closes.
• In extreme cases, prolonged droughts can result in population displacement as people are forced to move to areas with more reliable water sources.

As 2024 unfolds, it is rapidly becoming the hottest year on record-and the correlation between rising temperatures and the frequency and severity of severe weather events, including droughts, is well-documented. As temperatures go up, evaporation increases, leading to reduced soil moisture and lower water levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. This impacts agriculture, stresses the water supply for industrial and residential use, and creates a perfect storm for wildfires.

DespiteMonday's relatively mild drought conditions nationally, certain areas are still grappling with extremely dry conditions. Researchers calculated the average Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI) between January 1, 2024 and July 25, 2024, then ranked states accordingly.