Drought Tightens Grip on Northwest Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s drought is growing and the U.S. Drought Monitor now has more than 23 percent of the state in an exceptional drought. The Panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas have the worst conditions according to experts at the National Drought Mitigation Center in Nebraska.

Three months ago, Oklahoma had no exceptional drought listed areas. But the lack of rainfall in the northwest, the Panhandle and the west are taking their toll.

Thirty-four percent of Oklahoma is under the “Extreme” drought classification while 42 percent is in a “Severe” drought. The wheat crop in western and northwestern Oklahoma is in an extremely weakened state with the USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board reporting  68% of the crop is in poor to very poor condition.

In Kansas, 50% of the crop is in such a condition while in Texas, the number is up to 60%.