Drought in Miller, Missouri

Extreme (D3) Drought condition expanded back into all but the far northern portions of the county with Severe (D2) Drought in the remainder of the county. 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.

Extreme (D3) Drought conditions developed across portions the SW MO Ozarks through the end of October. Sparse rainfall amounts occurred during the month allowing for the development of drought conditions over portions of the SW MO Ozarks before a line of storms finally brough more than a few hundredths of an inch to the area just before the end of the month. Many locations saw no rainfall from the last week of September until a line of storms moved through the area on October 30th. Across SW MO Severe (D3) drought developed by the middle of the month with an expansion of Severe (D2), 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 several 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.