Recent rain chips away at drought as temps normalize
What do you think?
Recent rain has brought some much-needed relief to the area but it has not been enough to erase a drought that intensified during weeks of extreme heat and limited rainfall.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, based on conditions through Sept. 15, classified Joplin and several surrounding communities in extreme drought.
However, that map does not include the more substantial rain that arrived over the weekend.
Joplin has now received 1.91 inches of rain during September through Tuesday.
Still, Joplin remains about 1.23 inches below its normal September rainfall through this point in the month.
The next U.S. Drought Monitor will be released tomorrow and will provide the first clearer look at whether the recent rainfall was enough to improve southwest Missouri’s drought classification.
There could be additional help ahead.
The National Weather Service in Springfield is monitoring a 50% to 60% chance of rain this weekend, followed by a stronger system early next week.
That would be more welcome rain to the Four States.
Temperatures are finally feeling more seasonal as well.
