For the first time in several weeks, every part of the region is experiencing some degree of drought. The western portion of the Lakes Region, including all of Barry County and western Stone County in Missouri, as well as western portions of Carroll and Madison counties in Arkansas, is now classified as being in Moderate Drought.
The remainder of the region, including the Branson and Harrison areas, is classified as Abnormally Dry.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, pond and river levels remain low, while wildfire danger continues to increase because of the ongoing dry conditions. Several counties in northern Arkansas currently have burn bans in effect.
Although the National Weather Service is forecasting slight chances of rain this weekend, the overall dry weather pattern is expected to persist.
