Drought in Oklahoma, December 1 to 31, 2005

With below normal precipitation for several months, drought conditions continued to increase across the area ending as D2 and D3 across much of the area. Precipitation amounts of 12 inches below normal were recorded in Oklahoma City for the end of the year, with amounts closer to 15 to 20 inches below normal for locations across the southeast. The drought conditions and warm temperatures during much of the month of December caused an increase in wildfire potential. Wildfires were easier to start and harder to contain due to the dry and frequently windy conditions. Numerous wildfires occurred across the area, especially during the last week of December. Several wildfires threatened parts of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. A special command post was created by the state to help coordinate area firefighting efforts. The wildfire conditions were briefly alleviated in a few locations due to some winter precipitation. However, temperatures quickly warmed back to well above normal and not enough precipitation fell to put a major dent in the drought conditions. Numerous structures were destroyed by the fires, along with lives disrupted due to either property damage and/or evacuations. There were approximately 175,000 acres burned and 150 homes and business damaged or destroyed, along with numerous outbuildings destroyed, during the month of December. Many large, round hay bales were also burned. The estimated damage was over $10 million, with an estimated damage to hay and pasture at over $500,000. The numerous wildfires and damages incurred caused many counties to ask for a federal declaration of emergency.The drought conditions were also causing lower lake levels which were affecting recreation activities. Area farm ponds were also drying up due to the lack of moisture. The dry ponds and scorched pasture lands caused many farmers and ranchers to sell their entire cattle herds.