Drought — Newton, Missouri

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

Event narrative

Limited periods of rainfall through the middle the month allowed Severe (D2) Drought to develop across far northern portions of the county. Rainfall returned towards the end of the month but little to no improvements occurred with Severe (D2) drought spreading across the remainder of the county. Impacts across the region occurred over larger scale agriculture. Farm and stock ponds saw some impacts with ground water levels falling. Crop and vegetation growth showed signs of stress due to limited moisture. Monetary crop losses for 2024 will be included in future reports when the drought ends and loses are assessed.

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 1211080. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.