The Thursday rains might seem to be a relief from any dry spell but they are certainly not enough to end Oklahoma’s drought that has been growing in recent months.
Climatologist Gary McManus with the Oklahoma Mesonet wrote in his Thursday newsletter, “we have a lot riding on the next week or so as we try to end May 31 with some serious drought relief. And a lot of that is centered on the next 3 days, which would give us a good start on eroding some of that drought–and the dust and fire danger that comes with it.”
The climatological spring ends in 10 days at the end of May and the spring rainy season extends into June.
“But, regardless of hoping for a great June (remember, we hoped for a great March,
and then April, and then May), we have a lot riding on the next week or so as
we try to end May 31 with some serious drought relief. And a lot of that is
centered on the next 3 days, which would give us a good start on eroding some
of that drought–and the dust and fire danger that comes with it.”
He admitted he is not optimistic the rain will be enough to end the drought and more rain is needed.
“And western OK simply needs a lot more than what they’re showing there. But there are indications the rainy pattern could continue into next week.”
