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Missouri to receive drought relief too little too late

A climatologist says Missouri will likely receive widespread rainfall this week.

Pat Guinan is with the University of Missouri.

“It’s going to be a good soaking rain for much of Missouri,” he said. “But right now it looks like the heaviest precipitation could perhaps impact southwest and perhaps maybe up into central Missouri.”

Guinan tells Brownfield rainfall is especially needed in the southwestern part of the state because of continuing drought conditions.

“We need to recharge those surface water supplies that are above and below the ground,” he said. “Get those creeks running, get those ponds filled because it’s important to get water. But the big issue, I think, is the damage has already been done in regard to the pastures.”

He says many cattle producers in southwest Missouri have been forced to start feeding hay early because of the dry conditions.

Guinan says Missourians will experience a freeze in the next few days if they haven’t already.