By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Drought conditions will likely strengthen this spring as Texas faces rising temperatures and below-average precipitation, according to the latest outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“We’re already seeing some significant drought conditions across parts of West Texas and South Texas, and unfortunately, the forecast for the month of April and May do not bode well for a lot of additional rainfall that would tend to mitigate the drought,” said Tom Bradshaw, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. “If anything, I am afraid that we’re probably going to see drought conditions intensify across the south and west and probably spread into other parts of the state, as well.”

April and May are typically two of the wettest months for the Lone Star State.

“ We usually count on those months to really bring a lot of bountiful rain—not only for agricultural interests but also for water supply,” he told the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “There is definitely some concern that we’re going to fall short in both categories, and there’ll definitely be some impacts agriculturally, as well as from a water supply standpoint.”

Although drought conditions will persist, Bradshaw warned that severe thunderstorms are still possible, and it’s important to prepare for the potential of dangerous weather.

“We are entering ground zero for the potential for severe weather across a good part of the state of Texas,” he said. “Pretty much all types of hazards are in play, not only damaging winds, large hail, but also tornadoes. We have to be mindful of all those threats, have a safety plan, know how to receive warnings depending on where you’re located—either at home, at work, in your vehicle—know how to receive weather information and then know what to do once you do receive a warning for your area. Know how to stay safe.”

Bradshaw noted Texans will get a taste of summer earlier than expected. Highs in the upper 80s and 90s are expected across much of the state in April. “Unfortunately, we’re going to have the worst of both worlds. We’re going to have not only drier than normal conditions, but it does look like it’s going to be warmer than normal as we work through April and May,” Bradshaw said.

Texans can monitor drought conditions through the Texas Water Development Board’s weekly drought map and the U.S. Drought Monitor’s map.

Texas expects dry, challenging spring April and May are usually the wettest months for Texas, but the forecast points to a dry and challenging spring.