Texas Panhandle dries out after erratic October rainfall

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Texas Panhandle dried out during the last week of October, while overall drought conditions across Texas saw their first weekly decrease in seven weeks, according to the Texas Water Development Board.

According to the TWDB’s most recent “Water Weekly” report, 33% of Texas was experiencing drought conditions as of Oct. 28, compared to 43% the previous week, 20% three months ago and 74% one year ago.

The TWDB noted the Texas Panhandle and areas along the Texas Coast experienced worsening drought conditions through the previous week. However, there were noted improvements in Central, North and East Texas.

Despite the previous week’s improvements, the TWDB reported drought expanded to cover an additional 9% of Texas since the end of September, which is the second and largest monthly increase since March.

“Erratic rainfall in October resulted in an inconsistent pattern of drought improvements and degradations across the state,” said the TWDB.