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.