Recent Rains Ease Drought in Parts of Oklahoma, But Majority Still Impacted

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November 11, 2024

Recent rains have certainly helped western and southwest Oklahoma’s drought status; however, more than 67 percent of Oklahoma remains in some degree of drought.

According to the latest data released on Thursday by the U.S. Drought Monitor, the majority of southwest Oklahoma, which includes Kiowa, Greer, Jackson, and Harmon Counties, remains in severe drought conditions.

Beckham County, along with western Washita County and central Custer County, is listed as being in moderate drought, while other areas to the north, including the majority of Roger Mills County, are listed as abnormally dry.

According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, 10-day rain totals for the area were not only much needed but also very impressive.

Locally, Elk City and Weatherford received just over 7 inches of rain, Bessie 7.5 inches, Sayre 6.1 inches, and the Butler/Foss Reservoir received 6.3 inches.

The “winner” appears to be Hollis, with the Mesonet showing that area received over 9.2 inches—the highest 10-day total in the entire state.

According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, 56 of 77 counties have received four or more inches of rain, and all but two Oklahoma counties have received at least one inch of rain since October 29.

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