A drier than normal September has diminished drought recovery in Oklahoma, and weather experts say the dry pattern will continue through October.
Preliminary figures from the Oklahoma Mesonet show the statewide average rainfall total was 2.6 inches — 1.3 inches below normal and the 46th driest September since record-keeping began in 1895.
August and September combined for a statewide average of 3.9 inches — 2.6 inches below normal and the 22nd driest August-September period on record.
State Climatologist Gary McManus says nearly half the state was considered in at least severe drought by the end of last month, with 14 percent of that area was in the more significant extreme and exceptional drought categories.
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center expects drought to either persist or intensify through October.
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