Jefferson City, Missouri – Governor Mike Parson has signed Executive Order 24-13, establishing a statewide drought alert that will remain in effect until March 31, 2025, amid increasing drought conditions impacting vast swaths of Missouri. This preventive action responds to ongoing dry spells ranging from moderate to severe levels that have affected 88 counties across the state.
The most recent data from the U.S. Drought Monitor emphasizes the magnitude of the matter as many of Missouri’s citizens struggle with little rainfall and dry conditions harmful to water resources, agriculture, and community livelihoods.
In light of the ongoing dry weather patterns, Governor Parson remarked, “While the weather did improve this spring, allowing us to let our previous drought alert expire, the last few months have been dry, forcing us to reissue a drought alert in Missouri. Despite all our challenges, from droughts to floods and everything in between, Missourians have remained strong. This Executive Order will again allow us to step in and direct resources to those struggling with the consequences of drought, while allowing for vigilant monitoring of conditions over the winter months.”
The Executive Order sets off numerous immediate measures meant to control the drought problem. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has to reactivate the Drought Assessment Committee. This body plays a critical role in evaluating drought severity and formulating response strategies to mitigate immediate and long-term impacts. Together with other state and federal agencies, the group will also improve public communication and coordination to properly handle the matter.
Moreover, Governor Parson’s directive extends to improving community engagement and reporting through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) system. To update the state’s drought maps and guarantee that relief efforts are focused where most needed, residents are urged to offer first-hand reports of local conditions.
Apart from government reaction, the official drought portal of the state, accessible at this link, has been upgraded with a set of tools. The website provides access to the most recent drought news, mitigating techniques, aid programs, and a thorough archive of Missouri’s drought past and reaction plans.
By declaring a drought alert, Governor Parson has underlined the state’s dedication to early intervention—which is essential in reducing the negative impacts of drought on Missouri’s farming populations, water resources, and larger ecology. The sequence will also help to ensure that the complexity of drought management is resolved with coordinated and efficient solutions, therefore facilitating a simplified approach to state and federal cooperation.
This Executive Order makes it clearly evident that Missouri is acting aggressively to get ready for and lessen the effects of continuous drought. Unless later directives extend or revoke it, it stays in effect until the end of March 2025, proving the state’s adaptability to changing environmental issues.
Counties affected by the Executive Order:
Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Daviess, DeKalb, Dent, Douglas, Franklin, Gasconade, Gentry, Greene, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howard, Howell, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Knox, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lewis, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Maries, Marion, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Moniteau, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Nodaway, Osage, Ozark, Pettis, Phelps, Pike, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Reynolds, Saint Clair, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Shannon, Shelby, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Webster, Worth, and Wright.