OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that the

severity of an ongoing drought is expanding across Oklahoma.

The Drought Monitor’s report released Thursday shows parts of

northwestern Oklahoma in exceptional drought. The western one-third

of the state, the Panhandle and parts of east-central to

southeastern Oklahoma are in extreme drought while most of the

remainder of the state is in severe drought.

Last week’s report showed drought conditions in Oklahoma were

intensifying and there has been little rain in the state since

then.

There is a chance for showers in much of the state beginning

Thursday.

Last week’s report showed the Oklahoma Panhandle, northwestern

Oklahoma and far southeastern Oklahoma in extreme drought while

severe drought was reported from southwestern across northern and

into east-central sections.