Drought in Randall County, Texas

The SW TX Panhandle began March in Moderate Drought (D1), but by the end of week three, the northern third of Deaf Smith, the northwestern half to two-thirds of Potter County, and all of Oldham County worsened to Severe Drought (D2). This escalation was due to little to no measurable precipitation and record high monthly temperatures, which amplified the 120-day rain deficit from 1-2 inches at the end of February to 2-4 inches by the end of March.

Very isolated rain events brought some moisture to the eastern Panhandles during the month. However, this did not put a dent in the 120 departure from normal with values staying 2 to 4 below normal. Mites were appearing on stressed winter wheat crop and wildfires became an increasing concern across the combined Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles.