Led by growth in the gassy Haynesville Shale, the U.S. natural gas rig count climbed six units to 124 for the week ended Friday (Feb. 18), according to the latest tally from oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

The natural gas drilling gains helped drive a second straight week of double-digit growth for BKR’s combined U.S. rig count. Including an increase of four oil-directed units, the overall U.S. count jumped 10 units higher to end at 645. That follows a 22-rig surge in the week-earlier period. Overall, total active U.S. rigs were up 248 year/year as of Friday, according to the BKR numbers, which are partly based on data from Enverus.

Land drilling rose by 13 units week/week, partially offset by a four-rig decline in the Gulf of Mexico for the period. One rig...