Exceptional Drought Returns to Texas and Oklahoma, Impacting Agriculture and Water Supplies
Exceptional drought conditions have re-emerged in the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma for the first time since July 2023, according to the National Weather Service Arkansas-Red Basin River Forecast Center. The drought, classified as D4, is the most severe category and is affecting large parts of the Southern Plains. The region has experienced one of the driest and warmest starts to spring on record, with March 2026 ranking among the driest months. Approximately 89% of Texas and 99% of Oklahoma were in drought as of March 31, 2026. The drought is severely impacting agriculture, with some South Texas farmers halting operations due to worsening conditions and low commodity prices. Water supplies are also critically low, with reservoirs like Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon falling below 9% capacity. 
