AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – Parts of the Texas Panhandle continued to see dry conditions alongside an increased area of the state during the week of Dec. 16, as drought coverage increased for the fifth week out of the last seven weeks, according to the Texas Water Development Board.
According to the TWDB’s most recent “Water Weekly” report, 47% of Texas was experiencing drought conditions as of the week of Dec. 16, compared to 45% the previous week, 21% three months ago and 50% one year ago. The area of the state impacted by drought was down from a peak of 65% achieved in mid-November.
In the Texas Panhandle, “abnormally dry” conditions continued for the counties in the southeastern part of the region, with “moderate” drought levels reported in Hardeman County. However, the area has still seen its local conditions improve since the start of December.
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In the latest seasonal drought outlook for conditions through the end of March, according to the TWDB, officials anticipate drought expansion along the coast, across West and Central Texas, and over most of the Panhandle. The TWDB did note, however, that the northeast corner of the Texas Panhandle and the northeast corner of the state are expected to remain drought free.
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