Drought Information Statement for West Texas & Southeast New Mexico 
Valid 08/5/2026
Issued By: WFO Midland/Odessa
Contact Information: sr-maf.webmaster@noaa.gov
This product will be updated September 5, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly.  
Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements.
Please visit https://www.weather.gov/maf/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. 

U.S. Drought Monitor
Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for [region]
Image Caption: U.S. Drought Monitor valid 8am EST July 28th.
DROUGHT CONDITIONS UNCHANGED FOR OF WEST TEXAS AND SE NM.

Drought intensity and Extent
D2 (Severe Drought): Covers a small portion of northwest Eddy County.
D1 (Moderate Drought): Portions of SE NM, NE Permian Basin, Presidio, Brewster, and Terrell counties. 
D0: (Abnormally Dry): Portions of the eastern Permian Basin, SE NM, Jeff Davis County, and much of the Big Bend. 

Recent Change in Drought Intensity
Link to the latest 1-week change map for [region]
One Week Drought Monitor Class Change. 
Mainly unchanged with a one class degradation across northwestern Eddy County. 

Image Caption: U.S. Drought Monitor 1-week change map valid 8am EST  July 28th. 

Precipitation
Precipitation amounts were near to above normal for about two-thirds of the region over the course of July. The western third of the CWA saw mainly below normal precipitation. 

Image Captions: 
Left - Precipitation Amount for West Texas and SE NM
Right - Percent of Normal Precipitation for West Texas and SE NM
Data Courtesy High Plains Regional Climate Center. 
Data over the past 30 days ending August 5, 2026


Temperature
Mirroring the precipitation maps, temperatures were near to below normal across the eastern two-thirds of the area for much of July with the Big Bend seeing average monthly temperatures a degree or two below normal. 
Just like with precipitation, the western third of the region saw temperatures a degree or two above normal as drier conditions prevailed for most of July. 
Image Captions: 
Left - Average Temperature
Right - Departure from Normal Temperature
Data Courtesy High Plains Regional Climate Center. 
Data over the past 30 days ending August 4, 2025

Summary of Impacts
Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter
Hydrologic Impacts 
Most area rivers and tributaries remain near baseflow.  Area reservoirs are at 39.1% conservation capacity.  See next page for more details.
Agricultural Impacts
A mix of impacts on crops and cattle for July as some areas saw above normal rainfall that helped crops. Other areas saw above normal temperatures, likely hampering certain yields. Further impacts are detailed in the “Texas Crop and Weather Report”.
Fire Hazard Impacts
Fire weather impacts will be low through August, despite some areas receiving below normal precipitation amounts through July. 
Other Impacts
There are no known impacts at this time.
Mitigation Actions
Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information.

Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts
The Pecos River and Rio Grande are below to extremely below normal.  However, associated tributaries are normal to above normal.

All other river and tributary basins are normal.

Midland Monthly Hydrology Report for June

July Rainfall

Image Caption: USGS Daily Historical Percentile Discharge, 
valid 1 August 2026
Reservoir
Pool Elevation
Current Elevation
% Full
JB Thomas
2258.00
2228.39
23.7
Colorado City
2070.20
2060.07
57.7
Champion Creek
2083.00
2063.69
44.9
Natural Dam Salt Lake
2457.00
M
M
Moss Creek
2337.00
2330.97
74.0
Brantley
3256.70
3239.50
24.0
Avalon
3177.40
3175.45
1.0
Red Bluff
2827.40
2815.54
48.2

Agricultural Impacts
Crop moisture remains below normal, particularly west of the Pecos River Valley where less rain has fallen over the last month. Some areas around the Big Bend have near normal moisture thanks to better rain and slightly below normal average temperatures. 
Image Caption: 
Right: Crop Moisture Index by Division. Weekly value for period ending Aug. 1, 2026

Fire Hazard Impacts
Wildfire potential remains normal for the region through September. This may change over the next month and half depending on how consistent rain will be during that time. Above normal temperatures may also aid in curing fuels that could lead to easier starts of small fires. 

Image Caption: Significant Wildland Fire Potential Monthly Outlook for September 2026
Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center.
Latest TX Burn Ban map available here.

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast
Little precipitation is forecasted for the region over the next week. The Davis Mountains southward into Big Bend have the best chance to see some measurable precipitation, but forecasted amounts are currently not enough to significantly change drought conditions. 


Image Caption: Weather Prediction Center 7-day precipitation forecast valid Wednesday August 05 to Wednesday August 12