Moderate to extreme drought continues to grip the Texas South Plains and Panhandle in May with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) reporting 69% of the state experiencing drought conditions, compared to 75% the previous week, 69% three months ago, and 46% one year ago.
The drought monitor identified Lubbock County as suffering from D2 level drought, which it categorizes as Severe Drought Conditions. Most other counties across the South Plains share this designation. However, the range of drought in the area goes from D0 to D2, with counties such as Hale and Swisher facing the least severe conditions.
This multi-year dry spell is severely impacting agricultural production, threatening wheat crops, and reducing cattle herds across the region, with most of the Texas Panhandle reported counties experiencing “extreme” drought conditions as of May 5.
The drought has been active since 2019-2020, with 2026 marking the sixth year of persistent dry conditions in some areas, comparing in severity to the 1950s drought.
Water levels in regional aquifers and reservoirs are critically low, with some storage levels falling below 10%, causing fear of wells running dry.
Drought is causing high rates of abandonment and a sharp decline in hard red winter wheat production, driving futures to near twoyear highs. Farmers and ranchers face another challenging season with high input costs, limited pasture, and reduced water for irrigation.
The 2020–2025 drought cost the region an estimated $23.6 billion, comparable to the 2010-2015 drought.
The drought is driven primarily by consecutive La Niña patterns, leading to warmer, drier winters, with 2026 conditions resulting from a lack of significant winter precipitation.
The Climate Prediction Center indicates the drought will likely persist through the coming weeks and summer months without significant, consistent rainfall.
As the South Plains continues to fight ongoing drought, it is important to manage usage of water to prevent unnecessary waste and further issues. Managing water during Texas droughts involves strict local, mandatory restrictions to curb high summer demand, guided by mandated drought contingency plans. The state prioritizes water conservation, infrastructure repair for leaks, and droughttolerant landscaping (xeriscaping) to prevent depletion of water supplies.
Municipalities frequently implement mandatory watering schedules, restrict irrigation during highevaporation hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and prohibit filling pools or washing cars.
Landscape watering can make up one-third of municipal water use; focusing on this area is crucial, often limiting it to once or twice a week. To conserve water, it is advised to water deeply and less often watering only until the top 6 inches of soil are wet, as this encourages deeper roots that handle stress better.
TWDB provides comprehensive information on drought conditions, planning, and state-supported resources, such as data and tools for monitoring.