Governor Mike Parson extends MO drought alert

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KBSI) – Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed an executive order to extend Missouri’s drought alert until May 1, 2024.

Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 23-10 on Friday.

U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of more than 85 Missouri counties are experiencing drought conditions.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources created a Drought Assessment Committee to assess drought levels and work with impact teams on response and recovery recommendations, according to the Office of Governor Michael L. Parson.

The Executive Order was supposed to expire on December 1, 2023. Extending it allows the Drought Assessment Committee to continue supporting affected communities throughout the winter, continue to expand the state’s capabilities to respond to and lessen the impacts of future droughts.

During drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts and provide assistance. Information about local drought conditions can be submitted at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR).