Drought in Missouri, October 1 to 31, 2005

The drought of 2005 that started in July continued into October 2005 and November 2005. By October the drought was mainly affecting hydrologic aspects as the growing season came to a close. A report of the hydrologic issues affected by the drought is supplied by the service hydrologist.October precipitation averaged 1.0 inches which was 1.6 inches below normal. Departures from normal ranged from -0.3 inches (Burlington IA) to -2.3 inches (Moline IL). Precipitation percent of normal averaged 37 percent, with individual figures ranging from 89 percent (Burlington IA) to 15 percent (Cedar Rapids IA). The three-month average precipitation departure from normal is -3.7 inches, or 64 percent of normal. October was the ninth consecutive month with an average deficit of precipitation. The twelve-month precipitation departure is -12.41 inches, or 66 percent of normal.Other River and Stream ConditionsStream flows began the month with streams in Iowa and Missouri mainly near normal (25th to 75th percentile), with a few reporting below above normal (76th to 90th percentile) conditions and a few reporting below normal (10th to 24th percentile) conditions. In Illinois, however, conditions were different. Most of the locations reported either below normal or much below normal (less than 10th percentile) flows. A couple locations were reporting record low flows for the day.Stream flows gradually decreased during the month with respect to normal, especially in Illinois. By the end of the month, in Iowa and Missouri most stations reported near normal conditions, with a couple reporting below normal and a couple others reporting much below normal conditions. In Illinois, about half of the stations reported much below normal conditions. The other half of the stations reported record low flows for the day.