Weather and climate : article
PERRYVILLE, Mo.—Homeowners who made repairs after last year’s floods and windstorms may now be finding ghostly shadows—dirty patches of mold and mildew—in parts of the home that got wet. This is a health hazard for people living in the home.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – September-November 2023 will go down on record as Earth’s warmest such period on record, a substantial leap – 0.70 F (0.39 C) – above the previous record from 2015, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The report uses historical climate data going back…
This is part of an MU Extension series to help row crop and livestock producers manage drought. For more articles, go to Drought Resources.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist John Lory recommends applying fall nitrogen in mid-August to cool-season pastures.
Despite drought conditions in much of the state, Lory says, “we need to get nitrogen applied now so we can take full advantage of the…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Alfalfa fields fading from green to yellow may mean too much water. Farmers see the change after record-setting rains.Waterlogged soil kills nitrogen-fixing bacteria on roots, says Craig Roberts. The University of Missouri Extension specialist alerted area specialists of the…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s northernmost counties could soon see the first frost of fall, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zack Leasor.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.– Flooding is a potential threat in many parts of Missouri. And even if your house is not in a flood plain, you may drive through one on your way home.
MOBERLY, Mo. – Spending few hours now on spring home maintenance can save you many hours and dollars later, says a University of Missouri Extension housing specialist.
Tom Fuhrman says it’s time to take care of any problems caused by winter weather and spring storms to protect your investment.
Consult your insurance agent before cutting or grazing crops to protect coverage and avoid losing potential claims.
COLUMBIA, Mo.—Wheat flooded before harvest brings questions from affected farmers. What do they do now?University of Missouri Extension field crops specialists said, “Wait and see.” During a weekly teleconference, field staff answered questions from farmers.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It may be too early to think about replanting corn yet, but it’s a good time to look at guides from University of Missouri Extension or seed dealers, said MU Extension agronomy specialist Bill Wiebold.
Unseasonably cold April weather in Missouri has delayed corn planting, stressed wheat fields, and strained pasture and hay supplies for farmers.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomists voiced concern during a teleconference that cool, dry conditions are causing delayed planting and slow forage growth statewide.
Soils are drier than last year, prompting farmers to adjust tilling, cover crops, and planting strategies to conserve moisture and protect yields.
Learn how cover crops can protect soil, control weeds, and provide forage on prevent-plant or post-flood acres.
A new weather station in Greene County provides real-time data to support agriculture and research in southwestern Missouri.
Learn how corn ears reveal pollination success, drought stress, and factors affecting kernel growth for better yield insights.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – An emergency feeding situation is shaping up for Missouri’s beef producers because of the drought.
Missouri faces worsening drought despite recent rains, with dry pastures, crop stress, and low water levels raising concern across the state.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – April’s cold start in Missouri reminds gardeners that planting date is a matter of risk versus reward, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo. –Landscape plants have flourished over an ideal spring. Azaleas and hydrangeas have never looked better, but many of the lush leaves that developed during the mild weather will scorch, turn brown or even fall off when the summer heat returns, said a University of Missouri Extension…
Protect hay during drought by feeding wisely, reducing waste, and improving herd performance with simple strategies.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In dry weather with short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought continues to plague southwestern and west-central Missouri as pastures dry and cattle producers start to feed hay well ahead of schedule.
Attend free SW Missouri meetings Aug. 4 for cattle producers on drought survival, hay management, and feeding strategies.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Extension agronomist talk was calm on the weekly teleconference. Few problems discussed on bugs, weeds, fungus or other pests. Then the weather hit the fan. Reports from across Missouri told of farmers’ concerns about lack of rain.
COLUMBIA, Mo. –Gardeners eager to plant their first annuals and vegetables should be wary of a last spring frost.“I tell people, if you plant early, plant only what you don’t mind losing,” said Mary Kroening, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Rain makes grass grow. That’s good for grazing livestock, but makes haying difficult.Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist, sees unusual potential for cattle producers.
COLUMBIA. Mo. – Shortage of cattle forage forces some Ozark herd owners to chop trees to feed leaves. That method was used in big droughts of the 1930s and 1950s.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Newly made spring hay finally being baled in June may be toxic for cattle. Hold off on feeding new hay, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.The longer the hay can be stored after baling, the less toxic it becomes.
As floodwaters recede and you’re allowed back into your home or business to assess the damage, take lots of pictures of the build
Access practical tips and guides to stay safe, protect property, and recover after floods.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - When large amounts of rain fall over a short period of time, private wells may be flooded by rising rivers or runoff. "Wells could be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites that can make you ill," said Bob Broz, an MU Extension water quality specialist.
Learn how to handle flooded vegetable gardens, protect crops, and ensure food safety after heavy rain or floods.
Free online tool helps landowners plan for flooding and other risks to protect property and resources.
MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Water has a unique property: It expands as it freezes. This puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of the container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.
ROCK PORT, Mo. – An upgraded University of Missouri weather station in Atchison County now provides real-time weather data.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When the news has another tragic story about a child accidentally left in a hot car, parents might believe they could never make a mistake like that.
High heat and dry conditions can lower pond oxygen and water levels, putting fish at risk and requiring careful management.
Floodwater can be toxic, so precautions need to be taken to prevent illness.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Dry soil conditions can significantly reduce the life span of valuable landscape trees.
“Because they are difficult and expensive to replace, your trees need attention during and after periods of drought,” says University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist Hank Stelzer.
Learn how to manage drought-stressed ponds with tips on water quality, fish health, vegetation control, and aeration to prevent losses.
MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Unwanted icicles hanging from the roof overhang are a warning sign of ice dams, which can inflict considerable interior and exterior damage to your home.
According to Bob Schultheis, retired University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist, nonuniform roof…
Once an area has been cleared for you to return, stay out of any buildings where floodwaters remain.
Learn how to protect plants from frost with tips on timing, insulation, and care for sensitive species as cold weather nears.
When the electricity goes off, one important thing to know is how to save as much food as possible.
Lack of rain during corn's R1 stage can severely impact kernel formation and reduce yields, with drought stress leading to irreversible damage.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Winter-hardy perennial flowers likely will survive April’s historic low temperatures across Missouri, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Their tender annual counterparts, however, may not be so lucky.
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Soggy fields, low soil temperatures and 16 cloudy days in May delayed soybean planting in Missouri.
OSCEOLA, Mo. – As the summer months set in, sheep and goat producers should watch their animals for heat stress, says David Brown, University of Missouri small ruminant specialist.
Explore Missouri's agricultural wind data through interactive wind roses and hourly wind speed graphs from over 40 statewide locations.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Northern Missouri has received plenty of rain, and dairy producers there are hopeful about making a silage pile, while those in the state’s southern counties are looking at options as drought conditions and oppressive heat have taken hold.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s seasons are getting warmer and wetter, especially winter and spring.For farmers, this means a longer growing season, wetter fields and potential for more plant diseases and insects.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The public is invited to submit information to help local, state and national decision-makers assess drought conditions and impacts in Missouri.
As harvest nears, MU Extension agronomists see signs of flash drought threatening Missouri crop yields. The U.S. Drought Monitor map for Missouri released on Sept. 4 shows that 93.68% of Missouri is at least abnormally dry following an unusually wet spring.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Most of Missouri remains in a drought, according to a map released Feb. 8 by the National Drought Mitigation Center.The drought affects livestock farmers facing dwindling hay reserves. Row crop farmers are eyeing the situation with caution as planting season nears.
Innovative field platforms shield test plots from rain to study how crops like corn and soybeans respond to drought stress for improved resilience.
Help strengthen drought monitoring by reporting your daily rainfall totals to national networks and support community climate tracking.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Challenging weather has forced Missouri farmers to make difficult decisions on whether to replant crops because of sparse stands or delayed planting.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Spring and fall can be anxious times for gardeners. At the beginning of the growing season, you want to start the garden as early as possible, and at the end you hope for a few extra harvest days.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The free online Missouri Frost/Freeze Probabilities Guide helps farmers and gardeners make planting decisions.
Resources help Missouri farmers manage crops, livestock, and hay during worsening drought conditions.
Dry conditions are causing thin pastures and low hay yields across Missouri, stressing farmers and livestock producers this spring.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nine Missouri weather stations recently received updates to help farmers and chemical applicators know when to spray herbicides to avoid off-target movement caused by temperature inversions.
The latest Soybean Growth Monitoring Yield Prediction report from MU Extension predicts drastically lower soybean yields due to lack of rain, averaging 3-6 bushels per acre lower than in the previous report.
Explore real-time weather data from Missouri’s statewide network of automated stations to support agriculture, research, and forecasting.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A collaboration between the University of Missouri and North Central Missouri College has resulted in a new weather station at NCMC’s Elizabeth and Arthur Barton Farm at Trenton.
A new weather station in Echo Bluff State Park measures soil moisture and temperature to improve forest data and climate research.
Real-time weather updates help farmers, pilots and local responders make safer decisions in agriculture, aviation and public safety.
A new weather station in Ste. Genevieve provides real-time updates for local farmers and agricultural decision-making.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nitrates and prussic acid build up in forages to levels dangerous to livestock during drought.Livestock face severe illness and even death after eating affected forages, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Jamie Gundel.
Missouri livestock producers facing drought can explore local, state and federal programs for wells, stock tanks and waterlines to plan for future shortages.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Off-target herbicides may be invisible, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.Off-target herbicides damage crops, ornamentals and other vegetation in nearby fields when droplets move off of the soil or intended plants and onto nontarget plants, says University of Missouri Plant…
Find online resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from winter storms, including safety tips and emergency guides.
PERRYVILLE, Mo. – New technology and old-school knowledge mixed in the aftermath of the tornado that struck Perry County Feb. 28.
Persistent drought has cost Missouri agriculture billions, stressing crops, livestock, and soil moisture management.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Pigs can’t cool themselves through sweating and need special attention during heat waves, says University of Missouri Extension swine nutrition specialist Marcia Shannon.Pigs take priority over any other animals on the farm when temperatures rise, Shannon says. Pigs have few…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Extreme heat affects plants differently than humans.With triple-digit temperatures this summer, grain crop growers should understand how heat affects plants, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold.
Excess rainfall can pond in fields, damaging corn and soybean seedlings and reducing crop yield.
Farmers with poor corn stands can explore replanting or switching crops. Understanding crop insurance provisions helps in making informed decisions.
Explore fast-maturing crops like sunflowers, buckwheat, and cowpeas for late planting in Missouri
Learn strategies to protect cattle from heat stress, including providing shade, fresh water, and proper ventilation to maintain animal health.
Missouri sees drought relief as recent rains improve soil moisture, streamflow, and overall water conditions statewide.
Ensure safety before entering a flooded basement: turn off utilities, check for structural damage, and pump water gradually to prevent foundation issues.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– When it comes to corn seeding rates, sometimes less is more.Planting more seeds per acre in an effort to maximize yields won’t always maximize your return on investment, says Brent Myers, University of Missouri Extension corn specialist.
Learn heat-safety tips for staying cool, spotting warning signs, hydrating wisely and checking on vulnerable neighbors during extreme heat.
Those of us in the Midwest know that spring storms can bring power outages.
Learn which refrigerated or frozen foods to save or discard after a blackout and how to limit spoilage.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Dry weather and short pastures have reduced forage supplies, prompting livestock producers to ponder “could have, would have, should have” scenarios, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch.
SEDALIA, Mo. – While it is still too soon to sound the alarm on “drought,” parts of the state are becoming severely dry, said University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz.
NEW LONDON, Mo.– Spring is here, but parts of Missouri still aren’t through with winter weather.A University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist notes that snow makes it harder for animals to find available forage, and cold weather increases their nutrient needs.
Recurring drought in southwest Missouri strains pastures and forage growth; strategies for resilience and recovery.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As temperatures inch upward, it’s not uncommon to hear rural folks say they are “sweating like a pig.”
Sunny days and cool nights create the vibrant reds, purples, and golds of autumn leaves in deciduous trees.
“Cattle producers are dealing with varying degrees of drought and forage resources,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension livestock field specialist. Some cattle producers have received adequate rain and are recovering from the 2022 drought through rebuilding forage and cattle resources.
COLUMBIA, Mo.—Despite their association with fall colors, you’ll want Jack Frost and Indian Summer to stay away if you’re hoping for vivid autumn leaves.
Stay safe while shoveling snow with tips on lifting, breaks, hydration, and proper clothing to reduce strain and injury.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Don’t delay making hay,” says Rob Kallenbach, University of Missouri Extension.It might not seem like haymaking time, or haymaking weather, but early harvest results in more quality forage through the season, says the state forage specialist.
Hot, dry conditions during tasseling can stress corn, reducing yield and kernel size in Missouri fields.