Agricultural News
Flash Drought Continues to Strengthen in Oklahoma
Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:19:50 CDT
"Flash Drought" is the term being used by some weather experts- and Oklahoma is right in the middle of this latest flare up of very dry conditions, just months after suffering through the extreme drought of 2011. According to Gary McManus, Oklahoma Associate State Climatologist, the conditions have now enveloped the entire state- "Fueled by oppressive heat, intense sunshine, dwindling soil moisture and a lack of rainfall, drought continues to rapidly develop across the state. Over 48% of the state is now considered to be in drought according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, and for the first time since November 15, 2011, the entire state is now considered at least "abnormally dry."
"The dryness that has continued to intensify across Oklahoma is hardly confined to our state, with 72% of the country now labeled with conditions at least in the abnormally dry category. That is the largest such extent covering the country since the Drought Monitor effort began in 1999. More than 51% of the country is considered to be in drought, the largest such extent since September 2003.
"The horrific fires plaguing Colorado are occurring amidst one of their worst droughts in recent memory. Their entire state is now covered by at least moderate drought for the first time in the history of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Wildfire danger will become a more prominent hazard for Oklahoma as well if rain does not appear on the horizon soon. Abundant rains over parts of the state throughout the cool season and into spring fueled rapid vegetation growth. With drought on the rise, that vegetation has begun to dry out and will become a particularly potent fuel source for fires.
"The first six months of the current water year provided miraculous drought relief for a majority of the state. The water year runs from October 1-September 30. The October-March statewide average rainfall was the 13th highest for Oklahoma since records began in 1895 at 17.96 inches. That counts as a surplus from normal of 5.45 inches."
Click here for Gary's latest Mesonet Ticker blog entry on the Flash Drought conditions rising.
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