By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Weather forecasters say the ongoing drought in Missouri is bringing an early start to the spring wildfire season.
Rainfall across the state has been six inches below normal over the last six months. Warm temperatures and low humidity in recent days have increased the risk of wildfire.
Meteorologist Gary Schmocker is with the National Weather Service in St. Charles.
"And we've been telling people to curtail any open burning and be careful with any fires and that because we've had several days where it's been warm
temperatures, very dry conditions and some fairly strong winds as well which could spread a fire," Schmocker said.
Even if Missouri gets normal rainfall in the historically wetter months of May and June, Schmocker says it may not be enough to substantially improve soil conditions.