Warm temperatures The heat index soared to 98 degrees today, signaling the return of summer. Temperatures will soon drop as a cold front arrives on Wednesday, lowering highs to the upper 70s and low 80s.

Drought concerns Although September brought nearly four times August’s rainfall, total precipitation remains under half an inch. With little to no rain forecasted in the next eight days, drought conditions are expected to worsen. Currently, drought divides Mid-Missouri roughly in half. Areas north of I-70 are experiencing abnormally dry conditions, which increases fire risk, puts stress on landscaping, and may lower river levels. South of I-70, conditions are categorized as moderate drought, leading to higher fire dangers, declining pond and river levels, and added stres

See Full Page