Agricultural News
Oklahoma Weather Pattern Idling in Neutral--for Now, Says Gary McManus
Mon, 01 Jul 2013 16:44:03 CDT
Associate State Climatologist Gary McManus says the unseasonably cool temperatures experienced across the state as the month of July beings will persist for at least a few more days. He spoke recently with Radio Oklahoma Network Farm Director Ron Hays. (You can hear their full conversation by clicking on the LISTEN BAR at the bottom of this story.)
McManus said a dome of high pressure over the desert Southwest has allowed a trough of low pressure to become almost stationary across the middle of the country. This trough funnels cooler temperatures into Oklahoma from the northwest. He said this pattern doesn't offer the possibility of much rain, but the lower temperatures and lighter winds put less pressure on soil moisture.
This also eases the move towards drought which is usually the case this time of year. McManus said that the eastern Panhandle has received more rain than normal--and certainly more than in the last few years--during the month of June, with Slapout receiving more than five inches.
Unfortunately, however, McManus said forecasters now believe the drought will begin to intensify in those areas of the state currently classified as being in drought.
"It's sort of if you have drought you're probably going to stay in it and if you don't, maybe you'll get lucky and not have it develop," he said.
McManus said that with July coming on, it's a pretty good bet Oklahoma will be back in the heat at some point, but current models aren't all that clear on when that might be.
The situation in the Pacific Ocean regarding El Nino and La Nina are in neutral at this time, McManus said. Climatologists expect to know more about which will have more influence on this fall and winter's weather within a week or two.
"The last thing I saw was leaning toward neutral again for this coming fall and winter, but the odds were increasing for La Nina. And La Nina, of course, would be the one we want to avoid. El Nino would be nice. It would probably mean a bit wetter and cooler winter."
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