Farmers and ranchers in Texas and Oklahoma

are getting good news from a weather researcher who believes the

region will see above normal rainfall in the next three months.

University of Colorado climate scientist Klaus Wolter told those

attending a drought forum Thursday in Lubbock that his prediction

comes from an experimental model that considers factors such as

warmer Gulf of Mexico waters and soil moisture data collected

nationwide.

Farmers throughout the Southwest have been struggling with a

historic drought that has parched pastures and fields.

Wolter says he expects dry conditions in New Mexico to persist

through July.

The National Weather Service’s forecast for May through July

doesn’t include a solid prediction, with equal chances of

above-normal, normal or below-normal rainfall.