The month of July brought multiple chances for precipitation, but the scattered nature of storms kept drought relief limited. Guymon recorded 1.07 inches of precipitation (1.59 inch below normal) for the month of July. This July ranked as the 45th coolest and the 18th wettest July for the Oklahoma Panhandle on record. The U.S. Drought Monitor showed slight improvement across the western half of the Oklahoma Panhandle for the month while the eastern portion of the Panhandle remained steady state. All of the Oklahoma Panhandle is rated as Extreme (D3) drought.
The scattered precipitation has provided short-term improvement in upper zone soils however, this precipitation has had little to no impact on deep soil moisture. With that said the short term relief came at the optimum time for farmers with crops in peak water demand phases. Dryland crops showed signs of improvement and irrigated fields were able to reduce the amount of supplemental watering. Water watches remain in effect for several public water systems through July while voluntary to mandatory water restrictions have been enacted.
Economic losses due to the drought through July were estimated near $12 million (D3) a county, and were predominately the result for poor growth of corn and cotton, moderate supplemental watering, reduction of cattle herd sizes, and supplemental feed for cattle in pastures and rangeland.