Drought conditions in the southern Plains have received some relief in May, but most of the region is still experiencing the highest designations of drought. Some of the weather patterns have set historic records.
Extreme and exceptional drought remains over eastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, southwest Kansas and much of central and west Texas, according to a National Integrated Drought Information System report.
Exceptional drought expanded in New Mexico, where fire season is in full swing. This year’s drought led to intense fires in New Mexico. With over 311,000 acres burned, the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Complex is now the largest fire in state’s history, the report said.
On a different note, heavy rains in April and May have relieved drought across much of eastern Oklahoma and expected rainfall should bring more improvement.
Regional overview
A total of 56% of the region is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought. New Mexico has the greatest land area with the highest levels of drought at 85%. Texas is at 56% of those drought levels. Oklahoma is at 34% and Kansas is at 26%.
Extreme drought conditions have been in place in this region since August 2019. The last time more than 50% of the southern Plains region experienced greater drought was in January 2013.
Precipitation
May is usually the wettest month of the year for the region, said the report. The average total precipitation for the region from January to the end of May is usually around 13 inches. Drought-affected areas of western Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and eastern New Mexico have received less than half the normal precipitation for this time of year.
A few May storms have provided above-average precipitation for eastern Oklahoma where drought conditions have considerably improved. Drought-affected parts of western Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas have had below-average precipitation for the month.
Fire risk
Because of heat and dry conditions, fire risk is elevated. Elevated fire risk is forecast to persist through June, at least, according to the report. Much of west Texas and the Texas panhandle have fire risk near or at record high values for this time of year.
The Climate Prediction Center’s three-month drought outlook shows drought expanding in southern and eastern Texas.
Texas’ average rainfall was less than 10 inches from September through April. This is the sixth driest period on record and the driest since 1925, almost one hundred years ago.
Read more:
https://www.thepacker.com/news/industry/southern-region-drought-stokes-wildfires
