Oklahoma Water Science Center
Precipitation totals for the 2008 Calender Year are above normal, about 110 percent of normal for the period January 01, 2008 through November 02, 2008, averaged statewide. Rainfall totals are about 35.36 inches, 3.32 inches above normal, averaged statewide for the period, the 15th wettest since 1921. However, there was some drought relief the past 30 days with 2.94 inches of precipitation, averaged statewide, the 38th wettest since 1921. Also there was considerable drought relief of 4.28 inches (3 times normal) during the past 30 days at the formerly 'driest' climate region, the Panhandle. This region was in a severe drought for the year with only 75 percent of normal, the 16th driest period since 1921 - now it is up to 90 percent of normal. Presently the 'driest' climate region is the South Central, at only 84 percent of normal, the 25th driest period since 1921. On the other hand, the 'wettest' climate region continues to be the Northeast, the region is at 142 percent of normal, the 2nd wettest period since 1921. Updated November 03, 2008.
Precipitation totals for the 2008 Autumn Season are about normal, at 89 percent of normal for the period September 01, 2008 through November 02, 2008, averaged statewide. Precipitation totals are about 6.53 inches, 0.85 inches below normal, averaged statewide for the period. The 'driest' climate region, the South Central, is at only 40 percent of normal precipitation, 5.28 inches below normal, the 11th driest period since 1921. The 'wettest' climate region, the North central, is at 180 percent of normal precipitation, 10.68 inches, with a surplus of 4.75 inches, the 6th wettest period since 1921. Updated November 03, 2008.
These data and other aspects of the state moisture situation can be found in the Oklahoma Water Resources Bulletin, "Summary of Current Conditions" (Courtesy of Oklahoma Water Resources Board).
A variety of drought indicators can be used including precipitation, streamflow, ground-water levels, reservoir storage and the Palmer Index.
The streamflow plots (hydrographs) at the following six U.S.
Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations are indicators of the
drought conditions in Oklahoma. The present streamflows are compared with the
median flows of record, which are a good index of the expected streamflow
conditions.
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Included on the NDMC page is a link to the U.S. Drought Monitor which is drought monitoring effort between the NDMC, U.S. Department of Agriculture,and NOAA. Drought Monitor.
The monthly Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and precipitation for each of the Oklahoma Climatic Divisions can be seen at the National Climatic Data Center climate visualization system, CLIMVIS.
The Oklahoma Climatological Survey at the University of Oklahoma, has Oklahoma Summary Precipitation Statistics and Oklahoma Climatological Data available. Oklahoma Rainfall Update.
The USGS Water Watch Web Page has current water resources
conditions and has a Drought Watch Map available that shows the following
hydrologic drought information for Oklahoma.
Water Watch.
The first "Below Normal Streamflow Map" shows the average streamflow conditions for the past 7 days, highlighting locations in Oklahoma that are experiencing low flows or hydrologic drought.
The second "Below Normal Streamflow Map" shows the 7-day average streamflow conditions in the hydrologic units of Oklahoma for the day of year, highlighting locations that are experiencing low flows or hydrologic drought.
The maps depict 7-day average streamflow conditions as computed at USGS gaging stations. The colors represent 7-day average streamflow compared to percentiles of 7-day average streamflow for the day of the year. The maps represent conditions adjusted for this time of the year. Only stations having at least 30 years of record are used. By averaging over past 7 days, the values on the map are more indicative of longer-term streamflow conditions than either the "Real-time streamflow" or the "Daily streamflow" maps.
During winter months, parts of the state may have fewer dots than at other times of the year due to ice effects.
The data used to produce this map are
provisional and have not been reviewed or edited.
They may be subject to significant change.