Agricultural News
Drought Covers Oklahoma- Once Again
Fri, 13 Jul 2012 05:35:54 CDT
Fueled by the Oklahoma's sixth driest April 1-July 12th period since 1921, and despite recent localized heavy downpours, drought now encompasses virtually the entire state for the first time since Nov. 15, 2011. The Drought Monitor map for Oklahoma(at the top of this story) shows our most recent status as we head for the hottest part of the summer season.
Nearly 39% of the state is now labeled in severe-extreme drought, although the extreme portion is only 11%. The severe-extreme percentage is up 20% from last week's map. No part of the state has made it back to exceptional drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor's worst designation. Exceptional drought is beginning to build in central Arkansas, however, and similar conditions are creeping towards eastern Oklahoma.
At this time last year, 33% of Oklahoma was suffering from exceptional drought.
Further intensification occurred in southeastern Oklahoma, where severe drought is now labeled extreme. Moderate drought worsened to severe drought from northwestern through west central Oklahoma. Several indicators led to the intensification, from steadily dwindling lake levels detailed a couple of days ago to a rapid decline in soil moisture and rangeland/pasture conditions. The main factor is rainfall, of course. And that is something that has been in short supply right through Oklahoma's primary rainy season of April through mid-June, bleeding right into the heart of summer. According to data from the Oklahoma Mesonet, the statewide average rainfall total since April 1 is 8.83", a deficit of 4.93" or 64% of normal. Southeastern and east central Oklahoma are sporting deficits of 8.34" and 8.13" and rankings of second driest and third driest on record, respectively.
Gary McManus, Associate State Climatologist for the Oklahoma says that whether we slip deeper into drought between now and Labor Day depends on getting precipitation- "the key is rainfall. More summer rains will bring a milder summer while further drought will beget more heat. Summertime rains are very difficult to predict, although most residents know what you "normally" get during an Oklahoma summer, and widespread relief from the skies usually isn't on the list."
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