Current Texas Drought Map (updated)

Despite recent rains, much of Texas is still in a severe drought and the long-term outlook is mixed, according to Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, Regents Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences and state climatologist.

Nielsen-Gammon said recent rains have helped to alleviate conditions over parts of the state, with some areas reporting the wettest February ever. But much of Texas still needs a lot of rainfall to break a year-long drought that has been one of the worst in history, he said.
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"Although this La Niña year has been relatively wet, the Climate Prediction Center is still calling for below-normal rainfall through June," Nielsen-Gammon said. "At this rate, we might end up with one of those rare wet La Niña years, which would be great.

"A large portion of our rain typically falls in May, and this spring will make the difference for reservoirs in drier portions of the state. By summertime, the odds have evened out and it could easily be wet or dry. But the bad news is that the summer forecast calls for enhanced chance of above-normal temperatures, which would increase evaporation and water demands."