Drought — Polk, Missouri

2024-09-17 to 2024-09-30 · Polk, Missouri

Event narrative

Limited periods of rainfall through the middle the month allowed Severe (D2) Drought to develop across the western third of the county. Rainfall returned towards the end of the month allowing for some improvements with all but the far northwestern portion of the county in Moderate (D1) drought. Little if any impacts to agriculture occurred though minor impacts to soil moisture, ground water and surface (streams) water were reported.

Wider weather episode

Severe (D2) Drought conditions developed across portions of the Ozarks and southwestern Missouri through the end of September. Sparse rainfall amounts occurred during the month allowing for the development of drought conditions. Across the western Ozarks Severe (D2) drought developed by the middle of the month and continued into October. Areas not in Severe (D2) Drought were in Moderate (D1) Drought and Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions. 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, stock ponds showed impacts and low flows on some streams and rivers were reported. Final reports of damages will be placed in the last month the drought occurred in the counties impacted in 2024.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1211073. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.