Major Drought In Oklahoma Affects Local River Levels

Much of Oklahoma is dealing with a major drought and it’s affecting local river levels.

The Arkansas River near Haskell is just one area where the lack of rain has made an impact. Thursday’s reading puts the level at just under three feet.

Tulsa National Weather Service Hydrologist Nicole McGavock said that's the story for many rivers in Oklahoma right now.

"The 7-day average stream flow across northeast Oklahoma, we have several gauges that are showing below to much-below normal conditions," said McGavock.

The latest drought conditions map shows much of northeast Oklahoma in severe to extreme drought.

McGavock said since mid-June, rain has been hard to come by for much of the state. She said the impacts are felt at many levels.

"When we do start seeing lower stream flows, that can affect water quality, it can affect wildlife, it can also affect agricultural uses, so there's a lot that goes into that," said McGavock.

She said she'll be watching drought conditions closely as the forecast for the next week doesn't give much hope for rain.