Extreme Drought Present in Oklahoma Despite Rainfall

The last cold front brought several inches of rain to Oklahoma, but not enough to where it's needed the most. Multiple areas of Oklahoma are still experiencing an extreme drought, and there isn't much rain expected in the state's extended forecast.

Last weekend, areas of Oklahoma received over five inches of rain, mostly in central Oklahoma. But the areas of western and southwestern Oklahoma saw barley an inch of rain. On Monday, Sept. 23, the National Weather Service in Norman documented the amount of rain areas of Oklahoma received after several bouts of rain on Sunday, Sept. 22.

Areas of Oklahoma still experiencing an extreme drought.

There were more opportunities for rain this week, but again, most of the rain was confined to northwest Oklahoma. According to the National Weather Service in Norman, the recent rainfall has not made a difference in Oklahoma's current drought. Areas of southwest Oklahoma are still experiencing either a severe or extreme drought.

Across the rest of Oklahoma, there are areas in the panhandle and in eastern Oklahoma that are not seeing any type of drought. The rest is either abnormally dry or experiencing a moderate, severe or extreme drought.

Not much rain in Oklahoma's extended forecast.

Earlier this week, it was possible that Hurricane Helene could take a path that would bring Oklahoma some much needed rain. But as the hurricane inches its way to Florida, it's not looking like Oklahoma will receive any rain from Helene.

The NOAA's eight to 14 day extended forecast is predicting that Oklahoma will have below average chances of precipitation Oct. 3-9. So it doesn't look like Oklahoma will see relief from the drought any time soon.