What is drought? Map shows 82% of Texas land in drought or ‘abnormally dry’

Drought is tightening its grip on Texas this spring, with growing portions of the state reporting abnormally dry or drought conditions.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, much of Texas is now under drought watch — with the exception of North and Northeast Texas, where a series of recent thunderstorms brought some relief. Those same storms, however, led to deadly flooding in parts of Arkansas, North Carolina, and northern Kentucky.

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What is drought?

Drought happens when there’s not enough rainfall over a long period of time. It’s a natural part of the climate and can happen in almost any region, according to the National Weather Service.

Sometimes, drought develops quickly and lasts for a short time, often made worse by extreme heat or wind. Other times, droughts can last for years or even decades.

What is Texas’ drought status? See US Drought Monitor map

Although it’s still relatively early in the spring, drought conditions have already worsened significantly across Texas compared to earlier this year — and especially since this time last year.

Currently, more than 82% of the state is experiencing some level of drought or abnormal dryness — up from around 63% three months ago and about 45% a year ago.

Exceptional drought — the most severe classification — now covers 13.76% of the state, more than double the coverage from three months ago (6.3%) and a stark increase from 0% this time last year. The most extreme conditions are concentrated in Far West Texas, including the Trans-Pecos and Big Bend regions, as well as parts of the Hill Country near Austin and San Antonio.

Only about 18% of the state remains drought-free.

This comes as concerning news, with the Farmer’s Almanac predicting a hot and dry summer ahead, likely bringing scorching temperatures and limited rainfall over the next few months.

Some parts of Texas are already expected to see near-record or record-breaking temperatures this weekend, with the potential to hit triple digits. That’s unusually early — about four to six weeks ahead of the typical seasonal average.

What do different drought levels mean?

Historically, these are the common characteristics and outcomes of different drought levels in Texas, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor map.

D0 (Abnormally Dry)

• Grass fires increase
• Planting is postponed; forage germination is stunted; hay cutting is reduced
• Producers begin supplemental feeding for livestock
• Surface water levels decline

D1 (Moderate Drought)

• Dryland crops are stunted
• Early cattle sales begin
• Stock tanks, creeks, streams are low; voluntary water restrictions are requested
• Wildfire frequency increases

D2 (Severe Drought)

• Hydroelectric power is compromised; well water use increases; mandatory water restrictions are implemented
• Pasture conditions are very poor
• Soil is hard, hindering planting; crop yields decrease
• Wildfire danger is severe; burn bans are implemented
• Wildlife moves into populated areas

D3 (Extreme Drought)

• Increased risk of large wildfires
• Many sectors experience financial burden
• Need for supplemental feed, nutrients, protein, and water for livestock increases; herds are sold
• Row and forage crops fail to germinate; decreased yields for irrigated crops and large yield reduction for dryland crops
• Severe fish, plant, and wildlife loss reported
• Soil has large cracks; soil moisture is very low; dust and sand storms occur
• Water sanitation is a concern; reservoir levels drop significantly; surface water is nearly dry; river flow is very low; salinity increases in bays and estuaries

D4 (Exceptional Drought)

• Boat ramps are closed; obstacles are exposed in water bodies; water levels are at or near historic lows
• Culling continues; producers wean calves early and liquidate herds due to importation of hay and water expenses
• Devastating algae blooms occur; water quality is very poor
• Exceptional and widespread crop loss is reported; rangeland is dead; producers are not planting fields
• Exceptional water shortages are noted across surface water sources; water table is declining
• Extreme sensitivity to fire danger; firework restrictions are implemented
• Seafood, forestry, tourism, and agriculture sectors report significant financial loss
• Widespread tree mortality is reported; most wildlife species’ health and population are suffering