Drought — Randall County, Texas

2022-12-01 to 2022-12-31 · Randall County, Texas

Event narrative

Randall County remained dry through the month with Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) drought conditions in the western half and Moderate Drought (D1) conditions to the east. The County remained in 4 to 10 rainfall deficit year to date.

Wider weather episode

Much of the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles remained dry throughout the year. During December a wide range of drought conditions occurred across the combined Panhandles, from Exceptional Drought (D4) to Moderate Drought (D1). Soils remained low to very low on soil moisture. Drought conditions affected pastures, which forced ranchers to sell upwards of 35% more cattle during the year compared to previous years. More than 70% of the cotton production across the Texas Panhandle and Southern Plains failed due to the drought. This was one of the worst production seasons since the 1950's. One of the hardest hit areas was central to eastern portions of the Oklahoma Panhandle into the far north central Texas Panhandle. Some parts of this area received less than 10 inches of rainfall for the entire year.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1071634. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.