Drier than average June puts state back into drought conditions.
"According to preliminary data from the Oklahoma Mesonet, the month finished with a statewide average of 2.97 inches, 1.55 inches below normal to rank as the 43nd driest June since records began in 1895," according to a release from the Oklahoma Climatological Survey.
"Central Oklahoma’s average of 1.94 inches fell nearly 3 inches below normal to rank as that region’s 18th driest June.
Payne County is currently in low fire danger according to the Oklahoma Mesonet, and Stillwater received 3.45 inches of rainfall in the past 30 days according to records.
The report continues, "Mother Nature made up for the disappointing rain totals by offering extended breaks from the summer heat.
Summer still peeked through at times, of course.
The Mesonet recorded at least one triple-digit temperature on 14 of the 30 days in June, and heat index values soared as high as 112 degrees on a couple of occasions.
"The bursts of summer heat, combined with strong winds and lack of rainfall, created a “flash drought” scenario – a relatively rapid return to drought compared to the normal long-term development of the hazard.
Per the U.S. Drought Monitor, the state progressed from no drought at the beginning of the month to 13 percent on June’s final report.
The Climate Prediction Center’s July temperature outlook features increased chances of above-normal temperatures "over the western two-thirds of the state, but no clear indication for the eastern third."