While the latest map from the U.S. Drought Monitor still shows the majority of the Lakes Region drought free, the recent conditions have caused an increase in drought areas overall. 

According to the information released Thursday, areas of northern Stone, Taney, and Ozark Counties are once again in an Abnormally Dry Classification while most of the rest of the state remain at some form of drought. Recently, Missouri Governor Mike Parson extended the executive order declaring a drought alert for a majority of the state. He initially signed the order on May 31, 2023, but now it will run until May 1, 2024. 

In Arkansas, the Lakes Region remains drought free though areas of southcentral and southeast Arkansas remain at different levels of drought.