JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) – Governor Mike Parson signed an executive order Tuesday, Oct. 29, declaring a drought alert in Missouri.

Executive Order 24-13 declares drought alert until March 31, 2025.

It is intended for counties experiencing moderate, severe or extreme drought conditions, or those beginning to experience moderate drought conditions.

Currently, the US Drought Monitor indicates that all or part of at least 88 counties in Missouri live these conditions.

“Although the weather improved 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,” said Governor Parson in a press release. “Despite all our challenges, from droughts to floods and everything in between, Missourians have remained strong. This executive order will once again allow us to intervene and direct resources to those suffering the consequences of drought, while allowing vigilant monitoring of conditions during the winter months.

In response to this order, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will activate the Drought Assessment Committee, a group established to assess drought levels and work with impact teams on recommendations for intervention and recovery.

Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions to Reports from state monitoring observers.

Copyright 2024 KFVS. All rights reserved.