OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The U.S. Drought Monitor says drought conditions are worsening throughout Oklahoma.
The latest map, released Thursday, shows that 16 percent of the state is in exceptional drought — the worst classification possible. That's up from 5 percent a week ago.
The exceptional drought covers parts of the Panhandle and western Oklahoma counties that include Harper, Ellis, Woodward, Dewey and Custer. The exceptional drought also dips into Blaine, Canadian and Cleveland counties.
The remainder of the state is in extreme drought, except for small parts of southern Oklahoma and the Panhandle that are classified as severe.
The map factors in rainfall received through 6 a.m. Tuesday.