The latest Drought Monitor shows that the driest areas of Oklahoma are concentrated in the southwest and parts of the northeast. According to the Oklahoma Mesonet Report issued Thursday, there’s a clear need for rain, especially as winter-wheat planting season approaches. While much of the state is parched, it’s unusual that the Panhandle and northwestern Oklahoma have experienced unusually heavy rainfall over the past few months.

Locally, Jackson, Harmon, and most of Greer and Kiowa Counties are classified as being in “extreme drought,” along with eastern Washita and southeastern Custer Counties. Meanwhile, Beckham County is listed in “moderate” to “severe” drought conditions.

These dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires, particularly as a persistent heat wave continues to grip Oklahoma and much of the central U.S. The Oklahoma Forestry Division, in a Monday update, noted that while there has been no significant large fire activity yet, the potential for larger wildfires is growing due to the worsening drought and lack of rainfall.

“With no rain in the past ten days and continued warm temperatures, fuel moisture has degraded, making fire control more difficult,” the Forestry Division stated. “Average fire size is gradually increasing, and problematic fire behavior during initial attack operations is becoming more common.” The Division expects that fire control efforts will be successful early in the week but warns that larger fires, potentially over 300 acres, could emerge later in the week if hot and dry conditions persist.

Currently, burn bans are in place for Harmon, Greer, Kiowa, Jackson, and Caddo Counties, among others, as the state braces for potentially worsening wildfire conditions.