May 16, 2022
By News Director Jared Atha
Some parts of Oklahoma remain in a drought and the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows only a slight improvement in western Oklahoma–the driest area of the state.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor showed more than 10% of the far southwest and the Panhandle were in an “exceptional” drought, the worst of the descriptions provided by the government. Included in the “exceptional” drought category is the southern half of Beckham County and all of Greer, Jackson, and Harmon Counties.
An estimated 36% of the state, the western part, is considered in the next classification, an “extreme” drought. About 45% of Oklahoma is in a “severe” drought. It covers a narrow band stretching from the Kansas state line south to the Texas state line.
Recent rains have contributed to easing dry conditions in central Oklahoma while the eastern third of the state is described as not having any dry conditions.
Fortunately mother nature has been kind to the region with recent storms providing heavy rains in the area over the past week.
According to the Oklahoma Mesonet over the last 7 days, Erick has received just under two inches of rain. Elk City just over 1 inch, and Bessie near an inch and a half.
Forecasters say this week more rain could come with chances of precipitation tonight, tomorrow afternoon, and tomorrow night.
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