Drought in Hansford, Texas

Most of this region was in Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought to begin June. Normal to well above normal precipitation was observed through most of the June except for a dry middle of the month. Well above normal precipitation was observed for the month across eastern portions of this region, while normal to below normal precipitation was observed elsewhere. The drought category improved this month but areas of D2 to D3 persist due to a 2-6 inch 120 day rainfall deficit.

The vast majority of the combined Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles saw significant rainfall deficits, ranging from 4 to 8 inches below normal, from January through the end of June. Only some small areas scattered across the region had near normal rainfall by the end of June. After seeing winter wheat failures this year, summer crop planting and emergence were delayed. Soil moisture had been too short to support seed germination, stunting cotton, corn and sorghum crops. Dryland cotton that did sprout did not establish uniform stands. Much of the rangelands were unable to grow, leaving ranchers relying heavily on supplemental feeding and watering, leading some producers to start considering herd reductions.