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Slight Drought Contraction for Texas and Oklahoma
Over the last week the area considered in drought contracted slightly for Texas and stayed about the same for Oklahoma (see image below for the latest US Drought Monitor). Exceptional Drought (D4) did have a minor increase south of Amarillo in Armstrong County where it was introduced for the first time. The 7-day rainfall forecast is showing some rainfall for the worst hit areas, but it will likely be less than an inch over the next week.
One interesting point about the drought is that it started just after we had some fairly intense rainfall at the end of September and beginning of October. The reason this is significant is that some of the drought indices used to monitor drought are based on a six-month time frame. Once that good rainfall drops out of these six-months indices the drought is going to look a lot worse. It could also affect how drought is expressed on the US Drought Monitor. Most of the folks that produce the Drought Monitor know this issue so it likely will not have much of an impact, but it is interesting how rainfall that happened over 180 days ago could have such a big influence. I guess another way to look at it is the precipitation deficits in the Panhandle and western Oklahoma are that bad.
NEW Things Happening at Livestock Wx
Here at Livestock Wx we are working on a couple of new things. First of all, we have a new trade publication focused on livestock and weather trends called the Livestock Weather Journal. The Journal will include a summary of current weather trends and interpretation of the most recent seasonal forecasts. You can see an image of the first issue below. The Journal will be published monthly and be in your mailboxes the first of each month. The only thing you need to do is signup for a complimentary subscription to give it a test-drive! You can do that here: www.LivestockWx.com/premium
The first issue will be ready in May.
The second thing we’re working on is a monthly webinar called Livestock Weather LIVE! The LIVE! webinar is our chance to discuss the medium-range forecasts and shifts in weather patterns you should be watching for. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions about those patterns and forecasts, or if you choose, to hold us accountable when we’re wrong. As Call said standing over Gus’ grave after hauling him over a 1,000 mile back to Texas: “I guess this’ll teach me to be careful about what I promise in the future.”
We plan to be careful and commit to delivering our best insight and analysis into past, current, and future trends shaping our weather.
There are no strings attached to the Journal and the LIVE! webinar complimentary subscription. At the end of the trial, you will have the option to subscribe for an annual subscription. That’s it. If neither suits you, there will be no need to cancel, we’ll do that for you. No additional information will be needed to get the complimentary subscription except an address, so we know where to send the Journal. Click for more information on LivestockWx.com/premium.
That’s it for this week. As always, if you have any questions about conditions around Texas and Oklahoma please contact us at [email protected]