Drought — Howell, Missouri

2026-01-01 to 2026-01-31 · Howell, Missouri

Event narrative

Well below the monthly average precipitation occurred, despite a significant snow event, which allowed drought conditions to degrade through the month leaving areas of Extreme (D3), Severe (D2) and Moderate (D1) drought conditions in the county by the end of the month. Impacts across the region were largely limited to farm and stock ponds, stream and river levels and soil moisture with some ground water levels also falling. Losses however, will be determined once the drought improves beyond Severe (D2) Drought conditions and will include mostly any agricultural impacts unless other significant, non-Ag impacts were noted.

Wider weather episode

The month began with Severe (D2) drought lingering across the Ozarks but limited precipitation through the month allowed Extreme (D3) Drought conditions to develop across portions of far south central Missouri. Some expansion of drought conditions occurred through the month across portions of southwestern Missouri as well. By the end of the month, along with the Extreme (D3) and Severe (D2) Drought conditions, Moderate (D1) Drought and Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions remained with little changes. The primary impacts of the drought during the winter months is in the form of surface and ground water, including soil moisture in the absence of agricultural activities. Many of the impacts noted included, but were not limited to, dry stock ponds, low stream and river flows, dry top soils which can lead to impacts to spring crop yields, forage production, delayed spring growth and increases in wild fires prior to spring green up. Low flows on some streams and rivers were noted but not widespread. Some limited monetary losses were noted in areas where the drought continued from 2025 but losses will be reported when drought conditions improve past Severe (D2) Drought conditions or the end of the year.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1310602. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.