The calendar says late May, but Oklahoma’s recent weather has been acting a bit confused. According to State Climatologist Gary McManus, a recent unseasonable stretch felt much closer to December than late spring, but hopefully, more rainfall is on the way.
Shifting back to the current season, the primary concern for Oklahoma agriculture is the lack of moisture during what is typically one of the wettest periods of the year. May has been underwhelming across much of the state, though the distinct lack of tornadoes remains a welcome exception.
With only 11 days remaining in the month, the statewide rainfall totals are a far cry from historic averages. The normal statewide average for May stands at 4.93 inches. Currently, Oklahoma is sitting at just 1.33 inches for the month thus far. The state has managed to surpass the driest May on record, which occurred in 1988 with 1.23 inches, but remains over a ruler away from the record-breaking 2015 total of 14.42 inches. Finding a middle ground between those two extremes would be ideal for producers across the state.
McManus reports that agricultural producers are keeping a close eye on the horizon as a shifting forecast promises potential relief. McManus noted that while history shows it is difficult to break out of a dry cycle because it simply does not rain much during droughts, every drought eventually comes to an end.
Whether the end comes from a singular, dramatic weather event like the historic May of 2015, or through the steady accumulation of millions of raindrops, the upcoming week offers a critical opportunity. The predicted rainfall over the next seven days is vital to pulling Oklahoma closer to its normal monthly averages and chipping away at the lingering moisture deficits.
To read more from Gary McManus on his mesonet ticker, click here:
