Drought in Maries, Missouri

Periods of rainfall allowed for improvements in the county through the month. Extreme (D3) Drought was alleviated through the month with the county improving with Severe (D2) Drought across the western two thirds and the reminder of the county in Moderate (D1) Drought. Impacts across the region were primarily felt in larger scale agriculture. Farm and stock ponds saw continuing impacts with ground water levels and reservoirs showed modest impacts due to limited rainfall. Crop and vegetation growth showed signs of stress due to limited moisture. Monetary crop losses for 2023 beginning January first will be included in future reports when the drought ends and loses are assessed.

While some locations saw improvement from Extreme (D3) Drought by the end of July Extreme drought remained for portions of west central and central Missouri. Extreme (D3) and Severe (D2) Drought conditions did contract across portions the Missouri Ozarks through the end of July but remained generally along and north of I-44. What rainfall occurred during the month provided little improvement for drought conditions with some areas deteriorating over the month. Across central Missouri Extreme (D3) and Severe (D2) drought contracted slightly but Severe (D2) drought expanded in southwestern Missouri. Moderate (D1) Drought and Abnormally Dry (D0) condition areas made up much of the remainder of the area. The primary impacts of the drought occurred in the agricultural communities. Hay growth was impacted along with reports of crop and vegetation impacts due to limited soil and surface moisture, dry stock ponds and low flows on some streams and rivers. Final reports of damages will be placed in the last month the drought occurred in the counties impacted in 2023.