Drought Information

September 2026 Update

Drought conditions have deteriorated rapidly across North and Central Texas since early summer as prolonged hot, dry weather has erased much of the improvement realized during the exceptionally wet late spring and early summer. A comparison of the U.S. Drought Monitor from late June and early September highlights the dramatic expansion of drought across nearly the entire 46-county forecast area, with Moderate Drought (D1) now widespread and pockets of Severe Drought (D2) redeveloping across portions of North Texas.

The recent stretch of rain-free weather has been particularly noteworthy. As of September 5, DFW has gone 52 consecutive days without measurable rainfall, tying the seventh-longest such streak on record, while Waco recently endured a 42-day stretch without measurable rainfall. The combination of persistent heat, minimal rainfall, and increasing evapotranspiration has led to rapidly declining soil moisture, stressed vegetation, and a steady increase in drought coverage over the past two months.

Unfortunately, there are few signs that meaningful drought relief is imminent. The Climate Prediction Center’s Seasonal Drought Outlook continues to favor drought persistence across North and Central Texas through the remainder of the warm season.

While El Niño continues to strengthen and is forecast to become a very strong event during the fall and winter, its influence on North and Central Texas is typically limited during late summer and early fall. Instead, the more favorable impacts of El Niño, including a greater frequency of storm systems and wetter-than-normal conditions, are most often realized later in the fall and especially during the winter months. Until then, continued above-normal temperatures and limited rainfall opportunities will likely allow drought conditions to persist or expand further before more favorable cool-season precipitation patterns have an opportunity to develop.

Click Here To View The Most Recent North and Central Texas Drought Information Statement 

Note: New Drought Information Statements will be made available when drought conditions reach D3 (Extreme Drought or higher)

Current Drought Conditions

U.S. Drought Monitor

Fire Danger

With winter dormancy ongoing, any extended period without precipitation could reignite wildfire concerns.  The days with the greatest potential for fire initiation and spread are those that are sunny and warm with low humidity and breezy winds.  This potential will diminish with the onset of the spring growing season.

Even if a formal burn ban is not in effect for your area, it is still important to be vigilant about fire usage.  Avoid open flames near dry vegetation, and assure all coals and embers are fully extinguished. 

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index is a drought statistic specifically designed to assess fire danger.

 Drought Links

 National Integrated Drought Information System

 National Drought Mitigation Center

  Drought Impact Reporter

  Precipitation Estimates

  Lake Levels