Texas Panhandle drought still ‘extreme’ amid second week of statewide improvement

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The state of Texas saw seven percentage points of drought improvement during the last week, bringing the total drought area in the state to its smallest extent in 2026. However, drought conditions remained extreme for most of the Texas Panhandle.

According to the most recent “Water Weekly” report, the Texas Water Development Board reported 50% of Texas was experiencing drought conditions as of June 2, compared to 57% the previous week, 82% three months ago, and 36% one year ago.

Previously | Texas Panhandle drought mixes improvement, degradation amid dry seasonal outlook

The TWDB noted conditions as of June 2 showed drought contraction of seven or more percentage points in Texas for the second week in a row. The current week’s drought contraction was driven by improvements in South and West Texas and reduced the total drought area in the state to its smallest extent in 2026.

Most of the Texas Panhandle reported “extreme” or “exceptional” drought levels as of June 2, according to the TWDB, with the worst of the conditions appearing in a large line from the southwest corner to the northeast corner of the region.

Dry conditions, wildfire concerns creating challenges for High Plains herd health

The TWDB also issued an update on Lake Corpus Christi in its report, noting it was last full in 2019. Volume declined to 8.3% capacity in April 2026, but recently increased by more than 15%; still, the TWDB noted that level remains more than 30% below normal for this time of year.

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.

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS