Drought in Wheeler, Texas

Severe Drought (D2) began in Southern Donley County in the first week of March. By the end of the third week, D2 covered all of Donley, Collingsworth, Wheeler, and Gray Counties, plus the northeastern half of Carson and far southeast Armstrong County. All these counties had a 120-day deficit of 3 to 6 by March 31st. Record-high March temperatures negated the minimal rainfall received in the southeast TX Panhandle.

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.