OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Rain that fell across much of Oklahoma last

weekend helped to slightly reduce the severity of exceptional

drought in the state.

The U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows 28

percent of the state in exceptional drought – the worst category.

That is down from 42 percent a week ago.

Exceptional drought continues across the northern tier of the

state, including much of the Panhandle, and in parts of

southwestern Oklahoma.

Extreme drought conditions continue in 52 percent of the state

while the remainder of the state is in severe drought.

BURN BAN-OKLAHOMA

Governor lifts burn ban in 33 counties

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has lifted a

governor’s burn ban in the final 33 counties that were covered by

the ban – although one county-issued ban remains in place.

The governor announced Thursday that recent rains, cooler

temperatures and higher humidities have reduced the chance of

wildfire in the state – but said Oklahomans should remain cautious

with all outdoor burning.

A county-issued burn ban remains in effect in Cimarron County in

the far western Oklahoma Panhandle.