Ticker for July 8, 2013

                
MESONET TICKER ... MESONET TICKER ... MESONET TICKER ... MESONET TICKER ...
July 8, 2013       July 8, 2013       July 8, 2013       July 8, 2013


Uh oh

Here we go again. Check out the maps of days without xx inches of rainfall from
the Mesonet.




Simply put, this is not good. It's now been about 20 days since the state has
seen a good rain, and it's being reflected in the stats.

Here's the total precip for the last 30 days, as well as the percentage of normal.




Basically, for the June 8-July 7 period, Beaver and Slapout have had above normal
rainfall, and that's about it. The statewide average over that period was 1.83
inches, over 2 inches below normal! That ranks as the 13th driest June 8-July 7
period dating back to 1921.

Now, it's not that unusual for it to be dry this time of year, but we have to
remember we're in a relief period of a longer-term drought, and a relief period
that appears to be waning at that. More trouble, there's little relief seen
on the horizon. Check out the 7-day forecast rainfall amounts. Pretty bleak!



One of the lucky things to go along with part of this dry spell is that it
has been cooler than normal for a bit of it. But, the draw down of moisture
from the soils is still occurring, and will now accelerate.



The question is, are the conditions abnormal for this time of year? Well, for
western Oklahoma, the drought is definitely raging on. For the eastern two-
thirds, it's questionable. I think it's now starting to get a bit drier than
normal for early July. This type of look might seem a bit more customary in
August. And therein lies the danger. If we don't get rainfall, flash drought
is again in the realm of possibilities.

But let's not give up hope just yet. A lot can happen between now and August.
Most of you probably wouldn't have expected to be needing a jacket in early
July, after all!

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