May 13
Farm Director KC Sheperd recently spoke with State Climatologist Gary McManus about the recent dramatic weather shifts in Oklahoma, from record-breaking rainfall to the looming summer heat. McManus provided an insightful look at the state’s current conditions and what Oklahomans can expect in the coming months. “Well, it’s certainly been quiet recently, for the last …
Mar 25
Oklahoma is experiencing a severe dry spell, with drought conditions intensifying across much of the state. According to State Climatologist Gary McManus, the situation is becoming increasingly dire, marked by a prolonged lack of significant rainfall. “The last time Medford received at least a quarter-inch of rain (or melted snow/ice) in a single day was …
Mar 06
As conditions evolve, accurate reports on conditions and drought impacts are critical. Whether your area is currently wet, close to normal, or dry, please consider reporting conditions and any drought impacts you see or hear via the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) from the National Drought Mitigation Center. You can use the Condition Monitoring Observer …
Aug 26
As 2024 unfolds, it is rapidly becoming the hottest year on record—and the correlation between rising temperatures and the frequency and severity of severe weather events, including droughts, is well-documented. As temperatures go up, evaporation increases, leading to reduced soil moisture and lower water levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. This impacts agriculture, stresses the …
Jul 17
A big rain system with cooler temperatures is currently a welcome sight for folks across Oklahoma. According to State Climatologist Gary McManus, “We’ll have a nice big trough camp out over the eastern half of the country forthe next week, and the Heat Dome of Doom gets pushed to the west, away from the Southern …
Oct 05
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. According to the latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor, Exceptional Drought remains at Zero percent, unchanged for the past few weeks. Extreme drought or worse is now at 14.34, up from last weeks, 12.91 percent. Severe drought or worse is now at 32.40 percent, up from last week’s 30.93 percent. Moderate …
Sep 21
According to the latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor, Exceptional Drought remains at Zero percent, unchanged for the past few weeks. Extreme Drought or Worse is now at 12.19%, up from Last week’s 3.51% Severe Drought or Worse is now at 34.60%, up from last week’s 29.80% Moderate Drought or worse is now at 48.72%, up from …
May 03
The Oklahoma Emergency Drought Commission will meet on May 8 at 10:00 Am at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Building in the board room. There will be an opportunity for public comment. Oklahoma’s Emergency Drought Commission, enabled through passage of Enrolled House Bill 1923 in 2013, provides funding for drought mitigation and related projects in Oklahoma in …
Apr 24
Parts of the driest portions of Oklahoma MIGHT get their chance at rain this week, according to State Climatologist Gary McManus, “The forecast models have been consistently consistent since last week in dumping copious amounts ofrainfall across drought-plagued north and western Oklahoma, so we’re going to go with the hopeful flow and lean into it. …
