By Associated Press
Oklahoma City – OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Following nearly a month-and-a-half of searing temperatures across Oklahoma, about half of the state is now in a mild drought.
The Oklahoma Climatological Survey in Norman said Thursday that the U.S. Drought Monitor shows the southeastern half of Oklahoma in a "flash drought." The OCS says a flash drought occurs when abnormally dry weather combines with very hot temperatures in a short period of time.
The OCS says rainfall is 60 to 80 percent below normal in the region since July 12. It says recent cooler weather is helping ease the progression of the drought but rain is needed to offset the dryness.
The Drought Monitor works with several agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.