Drought in Cherokee, Texas

Severe (D2) drought continued across portions of Deep East Texas through the first week of May, as below normal rainfall remained a common theme across the area since early Fall 2025. However, widespread rainfall amounts of 1.50 to 2.00+ inches fell across much of Cherokee, Nacogdoches, and Angelina Counties during the last few days of April into the first week of May, resulting in a one category improvement to Moderate (D1) drought across these areas by the May 7th release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Timely near to above normal rainfall continued across these areas through the remainder of May, with monthly rainfall totals ranging from 3-6+ inches, near to slightly above the monthly normals. Thus, some improvement to pasture greenup, stock pond levels, and streamflows across area rivers, bayous, and creeks were observed, especially as the additional timely rains fell through the remainder of the month.