Area Still Dealing with Drought Despite Recent Winter Weather

U.S. Drought Monitor shows northern Arkansas and southern Missouri in severe to exceptional drought conditions.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Despite recent winter weather, most of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri are still dealing with severe to exceptional drought conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report. Large parts of the region are in the highest drought categories, with little relief expected in the near future.

Why it matters

The prolonged drought is taking a toll on the region, impacting agriculture, water supplies, and the overall environment. Without significant rainfall, the situation is likely to worsen, potentially leading to water restrictions, crop failures, and other economic and ecological consequences.

The details

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows that much of northern Arkansas, including Izard, Stone, Searcy, Baxter, Fulton, and Marion counties, are in the extreme or exceptional drought categories, the two highest levels. Parts of southern Missouri, including Howell, Ozark, and Taney counties, are also experiencing severe drought conditions. From October through January, the area received only 41% of its normal rainfall, leaving the region severely parched.

  • The U.S. Drought Monitor released its latest weekly maps on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The period from October 2025 through January 2026 saw only 6.52 inches of rainfall, compared to a normal of 15.86 inches for that four-month period.

The players

U.S. Drought Monitor

A partnership between the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that produces weekly maps of drought conditions across the United States.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service's Monthly Drought Outlook for February 2026 indicates that the drought is expected to persist in the region, with the next chance of significant rainfall not until the middle of the month.

The takeaway

The prolonged drought in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri is reaching critical levels, with large swaths of the region experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. Without substantial rainfall in the coming weeks and months, the situation is likely to worsen, leading to potential water restrictions, crop failures, and other economic and environmental consequences for the affected communities.