Drought Continues to Grow in Oklahoma

 

drought

Whether it’s wind power, electrical, oil and gas or mining, all of the industries know that Oklahoma continues suffering from a lack of rain.

The latest Drought Monitor indicates the severe-to-extreme drought in the state increased from 18 percent at the end of November to 46 percent at the end of December. Remember, on June 21 of 2016, Oklahoma was drought free.

It not only affect farm ponds for livestock but many ponds where water is being sold for fracking purposes in the big oil plays of the state.

Now it’s not. The Drought Monitor indicated that the overall hazard increased from 57 percent in late November to 72 percent at the end of December.

Gary McManus, State Climatologist with the Oklahoma Mesonet reported 88 Mesonet sites in the state recorded less than one inch of moisture during December and the year finished as the 44th driest on record with an average statewide deficit of 5.14 inches. However, typically-dry southwest Oklahoma finished the year more than 2.5 inches above normal, making it the 28th wettest year for that region.

Experts believe the drought will persist across the state through January where it exists with development likely in north central Oklahoma and the far western Panhandle.