NORMAN — As if Oklahoma weather weren’t already worry enough, now we have “flash droughts.”
According to the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, about half the state is currently experiencing a “mild” drought.
According to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions in the southeastern part of the state are the result of abnormally dry weather combining with very hot temperatures in a short span of time — what’s known to climatologists as a flash drought.
Although the state received unusual rainfalls in the early part of the summer, by mid-July the rains stopped and the temperatures soared, leading to the dry conditions.
Rainfall is 60 percent to 80 percent below normal for this region, and the kind of soaking rainfall that is needed to save vegetation isn’t expected any time soon.
The heat also has been responsible for four deaths since July 12, according to the state medical examiner.
Weather-watchers are hoping for seasonal fall rains to be on time to help recharge soils with moisture.
Then it will be time to start worrying about ice storms. Seems like it’s always something weather-wise around these parts.
The drought, though not that serious so far, no doubt has many folks down in southeastern Oklahoma worrying anew about the water resources in that part of the state.
Rivers and streams there have been coveted by various communities and regions for years now, and it’s still unknown what the fate of those waterways will be.
Dry times like these remind us that we must be careful and judicious in crafting long-term water-resources plans.
— Tulsa World
