Oklahoma Drought Unrelenting

The winter storm which left a blanket of snow across much of southeastern Oklahoma on Christmas Day may see the drought ease in that area of the state. But the worst U.S. drought in decades continues to grip Oklahoma.

The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows that the entire state ranges from severe to exceptional drought, the three worst categories.

As seen on the Drought Monitor's map, 37-percent of Oklahoma continues to be in the exceptional drought category while the rest of the state falls under severe and extreme drought categories.

Since the Drought Monitor latest figures were for the previous week, this week's snowfall will be reflected in the new numbers released on New Years Day.

12/23/2012 Related Story: Holiday Snow Will Offer Little Reprieve For Green Country Drought Conditions