West-central Oklahoma in driest stretch on record

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Climate experts say west-central Oklahoma is in its driest stretch in history.<br/><br/>The Oklahoma Climatological Survey says only 1.89 inches of rainfall have been recorded in

Friday, June 18th 2004, 5:39 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Climate experts say west-central Oklahoma is in its driest stretch in history.

The Oklahoma Climatological Survey says only 1.89 inches of rainfall have been recorded in the region in the past 60 days. That's more than six inches below the normal rainfall level and the driest of 84 stretches on record for the area.

Statewide, an average of 15.07 inches of rain have fallen. That's more than two inches below normal.

Erin Maxwell of the National Weather Service says the jet stream is partially to blame for the drought. Maxwell says the jet stream has moved north earlier than it usually does, and other areas are getting the rain that would usually fall on Oklahoma.