Mississippi River projected to be at minus levels during harvest for third straight year

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Drought conditions have plagued farmers for the last two harvest seasons, but haven’t been a factor this growing season. One side impact has been on the water levels of the Mississippi River.

Last year, the river at Memphis dropped to an all-time low of minus 11.5 feet in October. It topped the previous record of minus 10.81 feet set in 2022. Despite consistent rain throughout much of the region, the river is projected to be at minus 3.2 feet by Aug. 27, according to NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service.

The mid-south hasn’t had drought-like conditions, but a lack of snow last winter in the upper Midwest and lower rain levels throughout the spring and summer have led to lower water levels with many tributaries in the river’s upper system.

Mississippi River projected to be at minus levels during harvest for third straight year