Ticker for April 13, 2016

                
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April 13, 2016     April 13, 2016     April 13, 2016     April 13, 2016


No Fishing




As we bask in yet another morning of rain here in (insert your location if you're
receiving rain this morning)



with our gaudy rainfall totals over the last few days



it's important that we remember those folks that haven't been quite so lucky, like
northwest OK and the Panhandle. Why is it important? Because I'm from there and
I'm doing the writing! And, in all seriousness, the dry weather largely the reason
for all the humongous fires up that way, the stressed wheat, and the health
threatening dust storms we see about once a week (and don't forget the smoke
from said fires). The rainfall stats since the beginning of the year say it all:





But why use stats when you can just use pictures? Many of you veteran Ticker
readers, in addition to wondering "why the heck am I still on this list" will
remember the lonely little spring-fed pond south of Buffalo where I grew up
fishing and running around, and how it became a poster child for the 2010-15
drought. This series of pictures takes it from its zenith back in May 2009 when
it was surrounded by lush, green vegetation and loaded with fish (largemouth
bass, sunfish, crappie, catfish, etc.), through complete destruction through
most of that period, then rebirth in May 2015.













So there the pond sat, awaiting restocking and revitalization. Oh, and also
visits from the cattle which it waters and allows that farm to make a living.
One problem, however. It stopped raining up that way. Yes, most of Oklahoma got
a huge drink of water in November and December, and some continued to receive
rain while the rains went away for most. But that 3.5 month period from the
beginning of the year with all the heat, wind and sunshine worked its ill magic
on the brave little pond again, and here sits again, beleaguered and drained.



Those types of views tell us that the long-term impacts of the 2010-15 drought
are still present, despite the wettest year in Oklahoma's history during 2015.
OWRB shows low aquifers, farm ponds across much of western and northern OK are
low or dry, wheat is stressed, fires continue to rage out of control under
proper fire danger days.

So when you wonder why we can have drought so quickly after such a wet year, and
even a wet final two months of the year, remember that Mother Nature has a long
memory. And right now as we get a dose of Jan. 1-Apr. 13, 2016, Mother Nature is
remembering Oct. 1, 2010-Apr. 13, 2015.

Now more tomorrow on a worsening Drought Monitor map that looks likely to see
quite an improvement next week.



But Mother Nature's mind wanders. As many folks up that way will tell you,
they'll believe it when they see it.

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