The drought’s grasp on Oklahoma is growing, according to the latest report from the national U.S. Drought Monitor.
In Oklahoma, more than 9% of the state is now in the “Exceptional” drought classification, the highest of the dry conditions reported by the Monitor. It reached the 9.21% in just three months. Three months ago, there were no areas of Oklahoma that fell under the “Exceptional” drought and the 9% reading was double the 4.35% reported last week.
Climatologist Gary McManus with the Oklahoma Mesonet said it is “the highest amount we’ve seen since May 9, 2023.”
The “Extreme” drought category rose to 38.42% of the state, compared to the nearly 13% it was just three months earlier.
On the other end of the spectrum, only 0.69% of Oklahoma is free of any dry conditions and the region is in the far northeast corner of the state. Three months ago, no areas of the state were drought free. A year ago, more than 90% of Oklahoma was drought free.
Rain is in the forecast this weekend and it could bring some relief but based on the projections, it might not be much.
