Graphics courtesy; US Drought Monitor

Graphics courtesy; US Drought Monitor

Two more percent of Missouri is categorized as being in drought conditions according to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released this morning.

A look at the Drought Monitor Map reveals that “abnormally dry” conditions have spread farther south, particularly in the Kansas City area. Three percent more of the state is listed in that category than in the previous week. Slightly less of the state is considered to be in “moderate drought.”  

The Seasonal Drought Outlook released last week by the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center includes a prediction that drought in Missouri will persist or intensify through February 28, 2014.