Abnormally dry conditions now cover all of Macon County on the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map.
The map released Thursday and valid Sept. 8 shows 100% of the county in the D0 category, labeled abnormally dry. A week earlier, the Sept. 1 map showed 49.65% of the county in D0 and 50.35% with no dryness classification.
No part of Macon County is in moderate, severe, extreme, or exceptional drought. Those categories begin at D1. Abnormal dryness is not a drought category under the monitor.
Gov. Mike Kehoe's statewide drought alert ran until Sept. 1 under Executive Order 26-09, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The department's drought page lists no later drought executive order.
Long Branch State Park's public swim beach is closed for the season, according to Missouri DNR beach data. The latest Long Branch sample row is dated Aug. 31 and marked closed for the season.
Drivers and outdoor workers should watch for dry grass and low visibility hazards when fog or smoke develops. Check traveler.modot.org and local fire-district rules before any outdoor burning.