TWDB: Texas Panhandle, West Texas drought conditions expected to worsen through spring

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Texas Water Development Board reported that drought conditions across the state were mostly stagnant, increasing by less than one percentage point in the last week, although that still leaves the state with its most far-reaching drought impact since late January.

According to the TWDB, the area of Texas impacted by drought conditions as of March 26 hovered at around 24%, a slight increase compared to the previous week. The most recent map from the TWDB showed that Texas drought conditions stood at 24% compared to 24% the previous week, 43% three months ago, and 64% one year ago.

This drought level comes after drought impact previously contracted to about 20% in mid-February before its spread began to slowly but steadily increase again.

In the Texas Panhandle, “moderate drought” conditions remained in the far southwestern counties while “abnormally dry” conditions saw notable expansion in the northeastern counties.

The slow spread of drought conditions across the Texas Panhandle and High Plains, according to the TWDB, is likely to worsen through the spring season. The most recent seasonal drought outlook from the National Weather Service was noted to anticipate a “large expansion” of drought across the Panhandle, West and Central Texas areas by the end of June.

Meanwhile, the TWDB noted that North Central, East and Coastal Texas were forecasted to be drought-free by the time the state transitions into summer. That outlook may in part be due to the expected fading of El Niño weather conditions between April and June, according to other recent national forecasts, which will cause a shift into a neutral phase that is neither El Niño nor La Niña. That shift could lead to the return of drier conditions with a summer return of La Niña.

For the latest Amarillo news and regional updates, check with MyHighPlains.com and tune in to KAMR Local 4 News at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m. and Fox 14 News at 9:00 p.m. CST.