Again, drought persists throughout western Oklahoma

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Published on Friday, 03 August 2012 15:54

THIS YEAR'S DROUGHT ALSO HITTING OTHER PARTS OF NATION

Dale Denwalt
Daily Elk Citian

The drought of 2012 is not just isolated to western Oklahoma, or to just the high plains. Most of the United States should see persistent or worsening drought conditions through October.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, areas of drought from New York to California, and on a line stretching from North Dakota to the Rio Grande could intensify.

The conditions are endemic of the La Nina phenomenon, which pushes hot, dry air over the midwestern states.
"The latest temperature and rainfall outlooks are less than optimistic for widespread relief," said Associate State Climatologist Gary McManus.

"Increased odds of both below normal rainfall and above normal temperatures will continue for August. Relief from summer normally begins to arrive during September as the jet stream begins to meander back towards the south once again, bringing cooler air and increased chances of rainfall."

For the full story, pick up the Friday, August 3, edition of the Daily Elk Citian.