Parts of the southern U.S. have finally shaken off years of drought, thanks to a steady string of storms.
One meteorologist says that Oklahoma and neighboring states have seen historic rainfall that wiped out drought conditions.
According to Matt Makens, “Absolutely, it is remarkable. We’ll see how those drought numbers pan out over the next few weeks, with some of these hot days finally building back in here. But it all kind of started in late October or early November when that real soaker came through. It got the soil moist. They stayed that way through winter, for the most part, and that was kind of a good catalyst to get this season going, and it clearly was a was a gravy train, if you will, from Amariollo all the way through here, out to the east, of just progressive storm after storm after storm with this rainfall.”
He says it is the wettest year on record across much of Oklahoma and a large swath of the Southern Plains, but as fall approaches, he warns dry conditions could return, especially if La Niña strengthens.
Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.
February 25, 2026 12:13 PM
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According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
February 24, 2026 05:46 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
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Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
February 23, 2026 11:08 AM
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New details on the massive wildfire threatening farms and ranches in the Southern Plains.
February 20, 2026 11:24 AM
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The Ranger Road Fire spreads from the Oklahoma Panhandle into Kansas as high winds and red flag conditions persist
February 19, 2026 01:01 PM
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