Drought extends to 120 days

Oklahoma experienced extremely dry weather during the month of January, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Plains Regional Field Office, Oklahoma. According to OCS Mesonet, the drought extended to nearly 120 days. The statewide average precipitation for the full month of January was 0.52 inches. As of Jan. 23, 15 percent of the state was in the extreme to exceptional drought categories up 11 points from the previous year and 53 percent of the state was in the severe to exceptional drought categories, up 22 points from the previous year. This was the most area rated in drought categories since April 2, 2013. Statewide temperatures averaged in the high 30s, with the lowest recording of -8 degree at Miami on Jan. 17 and the highest recording of 79 degrees at Goodwell on Jan. 20. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated mostly very short to short.

Winter wheat grazed reached 40 percent, down 10 points from the previous year. Rye grazed reached 50 percent, down 10 points from the previous year. Oats grazed reached 30 percent, down 30 points from the previous year and down 1 points from the normal.

Conditions of pasture and range were rated at 76 percent fair to poor. Livestock condition was rated at 87 percent fair to good.