Winter Precip Well Below Normal

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Winter is the driest season in Oklahoma, but this winter has been especially arid, leading to agricultural concerns and increased fire danger.

The Oklahoma Climatological Survey says just under an inch of rain has fallen since Dec. 1 - about 2 inches less than normal.

State Agriculture Secretary Terry Peach says if the dry conditions continue Oklahoma farmers and ranchers could face severe problems and increased costs.

From Nov. 1 through Wednesday the Mesonet station at Altus had not received any precipitation. The station at Boise City in the Panhandle has received only a tenth of an inch of precipitation and no measurable snow has fallen this winter at Will Rogers World Airport.

More than 30 counties are under outdoor burn bans.

Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

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