Majority of Lakes Region out of Drought

The rainfall over the last few weeks of 2022 has been enough to move most of the Lakes Region out of Dry and Drought Conditions.

The last update of 2022 from the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that the vast majority of the Lakes Region is no longer classified as Abnormally Dry or at any level of Drought. The only exceptions are eastern sections of Marion and Searcy Counties in Arkansas which still are at an Abnormally Dry level. 

While the Lakes Region has mostly recovered from the recent dry weather, several areas of both states still are dealing with some levels of Drought. Missouri Governor Mike Parson extended the Drought Emergency for over 50 counties in Missouri into 2023. Several counties including some around the Joplin area remain in Severe Drought. Several areas in Arkansas, especially some eastern and southern counties remain at a Moderate Drought Level.