September saw above normal precipitation for the western two thirds of the Oklahoma Panhandle, but very little fell over Beaver County. Most areas measured at least 1.5 to 2 inches during the month, with scattered amounts exceeding 3 inches or measuring less than 1 inch. Throughout the month, Cimarron and Texas Counties were generally rated at Severe (D2) Drought conditions; Beaver County was mostly rated at Severe (D3) Drought conditions. Guymon recorded 1.85 inches of precipitation for the month (0.06 inches above normal).
Soil moisture was rated mostly short to adequate during the month. Crops fared well during the month, and some development was even limited by too much rain and cloudiness. Rangeland and pasture continued to improve in some areas, but cattle herd sizes remained limited due to prolonged drought. Upper soil zones were mostly in the 10 to 30 percent full range, with locations in the eastern Panhandle generally drier. Deeper soil moisture was still below normal in much of the Oklahoma Panhandle, but values were estimated to be greater than 150 percent of normal where rainfall had been most frequent. The Palmer Drought Severity Index indicated a rating of Moderate Drought for the Oklahoma Panhandle. No burn bans were in effect.
Reservoirs and stream flows across the Oklahoma Panhandle were generally below normal levels through September.
Economic losses due to the drought through September were predominately the result of supplemental watering in the driest areas and supplemental feed for cattle on drought-thinned rangeland and pastures.