Agricultural News
Drought Forecast to Persist or Intensify Through Summer
Thu, 15 May 2014 17:35:26 CDT
Oklahoma is seeing an unusual combination cool temperatures and on-going drought. The latest outlook from the Climate Prediction Center shows temperatures are about 10 - 15 degrees below normal. On Wednesday freezing temperatures hit the Panhandle with lows dropping to 30 degrees.
The cooler temperatures have not translated to moisture. Since the first of the year, the Panhandle, north central and north east regions are the driest since 1921.
There is some improvement in the southeastern part of the state where rains heaviest rains have fallen. Meanwhile conditions continue to deteriorate in the north central where deficits continue to mount. State Climatologist Gary McManus says conditions have also improved across Grady and Caddo counties where up to 4 inches fell with a series of training storms.
While the cooler weather has helped ease the drought, its relief is temporary. Drought continues to persist with half of the state remains in at least extreme (D3) to exceptional drought (D4) and 65 percent in at least severe (D2) drought ratings. McManus says the conditions are a scary resemblance of 2011
The 14 day outlook from CPC shows increased chances of above normal precipitation.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are forecasting June will have above average temperatures.
Further, McManus is forecasting drought will persist or even intensify through the summer.
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