Ticker for November 10, 2011

                
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November 10, 2011  November 10, 2011  November 10, 2011  November 10, 2011


Drought Progress and tornadoes

The dry weather is on the run for the first time in quite awhile. We asked for
and received a nicer drought picture for the state from the U.S. Drought
Monitor author this week.



As you can see, we have much more of that D4/D3 area converted to D2 or "severe"
drought. We've gone from 65% of the state covered by D4 drought three months ago
to 32% now, and with the D3/D4 area we've gone from 93% to 67%. Definite progress!
With another possible storm headed our way that seems to be zeroing in on
southeast Oklahoma, perhaps we can kill that D4 area as well. Deplorable
drought conditions remain in northwestern and southeastern Oklahoma and along
the far western border. It is important to remember that not all of our fellow
Oklahomans have been as lucky with the rain events.

By the way, you know you have been in a bad drought when your label changes to
"severe" and it makes you feel better.

********
2011 moving up the tornado top-10 chart

With the preliminary reports of Monday tornadoes now up to at least six and
an addition or two, 2011 has unofficially moved into the #2 spot on the all-time
tornado count list in the state. Those accurate records date back to 1950. The
total now stands at 110 and probably still rising. That bests 1957's 107
twisters but trails far behind 1999's 145.

Year          Tornadoes
1999	         145
2011             110
1957	         107
2010	         102
1982	         101
1960	          98
1983	          92
1998	          83
1961	          82

Again, still a preliminary count but should end up fairly accurate.

Gary McManus
Associate State Climatologist
Oklahoma Climatological Survey
(405) 325-2253
gmcmanus@mesonet.org