We're officially in a drought, but the pattern is changing

The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor website shows that Cape Girardeau is now within a "Moderate Drought" zone.

Drought conditions extend all the way to the Gulf Coast, with large portions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia experiencing "Extreme" or even "Exceptional" drought conditions.

On the plus side, we actually have rain in the forecast as a cold front sweeps through on Friday. Although not expected to be heavy, any rain will help at this point.

The cold front will also put an end to our record-breaking warm weather. Today's highs in the upper 70s will be replaced by highs around 50 over the weekend. Although colder, this is still not that particularly cold for this time of year.

Longer term, the 8-14 Day Outlook leans solidly toward above-average temperatures. Winter is coming -- but not for awhile.