AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Texas Panhandle remained steady with a mix of “severe” and “extreme” drought conditions during the last week of April and first days of May, while the rest of Texas saw its fourth consecutive week of drought decline.
According to the most recent “Water Weekly” report, the Texas Water Development Board reported 75% of Texas was experiencing drought conditions as of April 28, compared to 76% the previous week, 67% three months ago, and 53% one year ago.
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The TWDB noted that while the drought condition of the state improved overall, the most recent weekly decline in drought coverage was the smallest improvement out of the past four weeks. Further, with widespread rain in late April and early May, the TWDB expects a larger decline on the coming map for the state.
The Texas Panhandle region reported “severe” drought in much of the region as of the week of April 28, according to the TWDB, with conditions reported as “extreme” in the southeast corner as well as in nine of its northeast counties.
Parts of Dallam County in the northwest also reported “extreme” drought conditions.
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The TWDB issued an additional note on precipitation in the Austin area during the most recent “Water Weekly” report, noting that from August 2025 through the end of March 2026, precipitation for the Austin area was only 8.19 inches. That amount would mean a record low for that time of year.
However, nearly 5 inches of rainfall in the Austin area during April pushed August through April ahead of the record low pace recorded from 1955-1956…