Drought Conditions in Texas
After dipping to a four-year low in August, the percentage of Texas experiencing drought conditions has been climbing.
Drought had already been falling for several months in the spring and early summer when the Hill Country flooding accelerated the decrease. When drought conditions were at their lowest in late July, only 19% of the state was experiencing any level of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
But in the months since, that number has jumped back up. As of Nov. 4, just over 45% of the state’s land area was experiencing some level of drought. That number had been pretty steadily climbing through September and October, fell a little after heavy rains the last weekend of October and has since started climbing again.
Variation in Drought Intensity
There’s a lot of variation in drought intensity. Texas experienced a similar percentage of total area in drought at multiple points earlier in 2025, but the portion of the pie at level four drought — the most extreme — is still the lowest it has been in over a year.
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Drought Conditions Map
Drought conditions in Texas as of Nov. 4, 2025. The lightest shaded areas are a precursor to drought, with the darkest area representing level four drought or exceptional drought conditions.
U.S. Drought Monitor
Rainfall Totals and Drought Conditions
Rainfall totals were lower than normal for much of the state in September and October, according to a data dashboard produced by the Texas Water Development Board. Dallas County, which is not currently in drought, got roughly 2 inches less rainfall than would normally be expected over those months, according to the dashboard.
That significantly drier-than-usual fall has likely contributed to the expanding drought conditions, and at least in the short term, it could continue. The Climate Prediction Center’s November projection shows below-normal chances of precipitation for the entire state. But the center’s data doesn’t indicate just how far below normal, which could make a big difference for the continued increase of drought.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the drought conditions in Texas have been climbing since August, with over 45% of the state experiencing some level of drought as of Nov. 4. The variation in drought intensity is significant, with the portion of the state at level four drought being the lowest it has been in over a year. The drier-than-usual fall has likely contributed to the expanding drought conditions, and the Climate Prediction Center’s November projection shows below-normal chances of precipitation for the entire state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current drought situation in Texas?
As of Nov. 4, just over 45% of the state’s land area was experiencing some level of drought.
What is the variation in drought intensity?
There’s a lot of variation in drought intensity, with the portion of the state at level four drought being the lowest it has been in over a year.
How has the rainfall been in Texas?
Rainfall totals were lower than normal for much of the state in September and October, according to a data dashboard produced by the Texas Water Development Board.
What is the forecast for precipitation in Texas?
The Climate Prediction Center’s November projection shows below-normal chances of precipitation for the entire state.
