Moderate To Extreme Drought Grips Much Of Oklahoma

Almost two-thirds of the state are affected by at least moderate drought. With the approach of summer heat and lack of rain, the drought is expected to spread eastward to Green Country.

Friday, June 24th 2011, 11:21 am

By: News On 6


NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A drought has gripped much of the state of Oklahoma, and little relief is in sight.

"The latest Drought Monitor shows that over almost two-thirds of the state is in at least a moderate drought with over 30 percent of the state in an 'exceptional' drought – the worst designation for a drought's intensity," said News On 6 meteorologist Michael Grogan.

"The extreme heat and ongoing lack of rain has made conditions go from bad to worse across the western half of the state."

On Friday, the director of Oklahoma City's utilities department told residents to "use water wisely" as temperatures there continue to rise into the 90s and 100s.

Eastern Oklahoma has been spared from much of the drought due to more consistent rainfall over the past couple of months, but that may not last, Grogan said.

"The May 24 to June 22 time period has been the driest period in the state of Oklahoma with an average rainfall of 1.24 inches," he said.

"As we go into a prolonged period of extreme heat and dry weather, the drought will continue to worsen and expand eastward across the state."

Temperatures in Green Country are expected to hit three digits by early next week.

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