Jan 26
A Guide for Producers Impacted by Winter Storm Fern: Agricultural producers facing the aftermath of natural disasters have access to a suite of recovery programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). FSA Administrator Bill Beam has outlined several key initiatives designed to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners rehabilitate their operations …
Jan 26
Significant Winter Storm Brings Record Cold and Widespread Snow to Oklahoma: State Climatologist Gary McManus has reported that a major winter storm system moved through Oklahoma over the weekend, blanketing nearly the entire state in 4 to 12 inches of snow and ice. The system brought both significant precipitation and historic low temperatures. Record-Breaking Temperatures …
Jan 23
🥶 The Wait is Over: Arctic Blast and Major Snowfall Arrive Arctic Blast Brings Extreme Cold and Possible 2-Foot Snow Totals: The anticipation has ended, and as State Climatologist Gary McManus puts it, “It’s all over but the screams of agony now.” A powerful arctic air mass is currently blasting southward, colliding with a major …
Jan 22
As bitter cold weather sweeps across the nation, and with Oklahoma expecting its first big winter storm, food safety often takes a backseat to staying warm. However, USDA experts warn that losing electricity can quickly turn a refrigerator from a preservation tool into a safety hazard. In a recent conversation, Rod Bain of the USDA …
Jan 22
As a potent winter storm takes aim at the state, bringing with it a volatile mix of heavy snow, significant icing, and dangerous wind chills, the time for preparation is now. State Climatologist Gary McManus has warned that this system’s ‘troubling’ potential for freezing rain could impact power grids and travel for days, noting that …
Jan 05
Oklahoma Drought Update: Gary McManus Warns of “Flash Drought” Amidst January Warmth. According to State Climatologist Gary McManus, December 2025 will go down in the record books as a month of stark extremes, characterized by historic heat and a near-total absence of rainfall. Data from the Oklahoma Mesonet indicates the month ranked as the second-driest …
Dec 15
State Climatologist Gary McManus Forecasts 70-Degree Temps and Zero Chance of Snow this Christmas. The cold snap that recently hit Oklahoma is already on its way out, setting the stage for a significantly warmer—and drier—holiday week. In a recent interview, State Climatologist Gary McManus told Farm Director KC Sheperd that the recent chilly temperatures were …
Oct 10
Oklahoma’s brief autumn has been abruptly replaced by summer-like conditions, bringing unseasonably high temperatures and the concerning return of drought. State Climatologist Gary McManus and Farm Director KC Sheperd discussed the deteriorating weather pattern, which is compounded by the official onset of a La Niña episode. Summer Extends into Mid-October Oklahoma is experiencing temperatures significantly …
Sep 19
In the world of Oklahoma’s agriculture, a significant weather pattern is unfolding, bringing much-needed rain to the state after a prolonged dry spell. According to State Climatologist Gary McManus, September has been “a veritable dud” for moisture in most areas, making it one of the driest in at least the last 100 years. This extended …
Jun 16
Oklahoma, a state often associated with scorching, dry summers, is experiencing an unusual start to June, marked by persistent rainfall, mild temperatures, and a notable absence of the typical dry heat. This “un-Okie” trend, as State Climatologist Gary McManus humorously puts it, is setting the stage for a potentially uncomfortable shift as humidity is poised …
