Burn Ban Stays In Place As Drought Persists

RISON - While the county did receive some rainfall Saturday, County Judge Don Triplett said the burn ban he placed for Cleveland County on March 23 remains in place as drought conditions persist.Data from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) shows that Cleveland County is currently experiencing its fourth driest start to the new year based on records going back for 132 years.According to NIDIS, which is operated through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Cleveland County is 7.24 inches below the average rainfall total for the first three months (January through March) of 2026. The county usually receives, on average, 14.39 inches of rain over that three-month period but has only received 7.15 inches of precipitation over that span this year.Based on the data provided through the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Cleveland County received 2.57 inches of precipitation in January compared to the monthly average of  4.77 inches; 1.64 inches in February compared to the monthly average of 4.30 inches; and 2.94 inches in March compared to the monthly average of 5.32 inches.The persistent dry conditions has led to about 84 percent of Cleveland County being classified as being under “extreme drought” (D3) conditions while the remaining 16 percent located in the northwest corner as being under “severe drought” (D2) conditions. The scale classifies drought conditions ranging from DO (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought).There could be some relief from the drought conditions as forescasts are calling for rain this weekend.Typically for Cleveland County, the first five months are among the wettest of the year with March and April averaging the most precipitation. Based on data from NCEI, March averages 5.32 inches of precipitation and April averages 5.18 inches. December is a close third with a 5.15-inch average.The three remaining months - ...