(KTTS News) — The director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources says the drought that’s been affecting the state this summer will likely last through next year.

Director Dru Buntin says he’s very concerned about water levels on the Mississippi River and how they will affect commercial navigation, especially during harvest times.

He plans to ask for an extension of the governor’s directive that will keep the state in emergency response mode through at least next spring.

The current directive ends on December 1.

Gov. Mike Parson joined the Drought Assessment Committee Wednesday for its fourth meeting since declaring a drought alert in May. The two-hour discussion featured expert testimony on current conditions, historical climate trends and weather projections heading into winter. pic.twitter.com/8ziEpwYJBl

— Missouri DNR (@MoDNR) October 4, 2023

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows 85.41% of Missouri is experiencing drought conditions, with 9% of the state in extreme drought. Over 2.6 million Missourians live in drought-affected areas.

Submit drought condition information from your area at https://t.co/SVW8ZtBV3P. pic.twitter.com/4drHljJl7A

— Missouri DNR (@MoDNR) October 5, 2023