Drought Conditions In Oklahoma Worst In 50 Years

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Despite some much-needed rain in recent days, Oklahoma remains locked in what climatologists say is the worst drought in a half-century. <br/><br/>This summer's blistering heat

Sunday, September 3rd 2006, 5:21 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Despite some much-needed rain in recent days, Oklahoma remains locked in what climatologists say is the worst drought in a half-century.

This summer's blistering heat and dry conditions are sucking the water out of barren soil, shriveling crops and draining the pocketbooks of farmers and ranchers.

State climatologist Derek Arndt says current conditions are similar to droughts of the 1930s and 1950s, but says the full scope of the current drought can't be judged until it ends.

Oklahoma set a record for the hottest first six months of a year from January through June, making 2006 the warmest start to any year since climate records began in 1895.

And that doesn't include the triple-digit temperatures in July and August.

The statewide drought started in the fall or winter of 2005.