Drought Areas Expand in Lakes Region

The overall dry weather pattern that has been in place for the final weeks of 2025 has led to the entire Lakes Region at drought levels.

According to the latest map released this week by the U.S Drought Monitor, the southwest part of the region which included all or parts of Barry County in Missouri along with Carroll, Madison, and Newton Counties in Arkansas are now Abnormally Dry. The remainder of the region, including both the Branson and Harrison areas, are at a Moderate Drought Level. 

Area water levels continue to decline with early winter foliage also being stressed. 

Rain is expected along with a front that will bring an end to the unseasonably warm temperatures on Sunday but no other rain is in the forecast for the next seven days.