Houston, TX – Drought conditions are rapidly worsening across Southeast Texas as another week of dry weather pushes the region deeper into severe and extreme drought categories. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update released Thursday, roughly one-third of the Houston/Galveston forecast area is now classified under severe drought (D2).
Forecasters report an alarming expansion of extreme drought (D3) across portions of Austin, Colorado, Wharton, and Jackson Counties. These areas have seen significant rainfall deficits over the past several months, with soil moisture and vegetation health continuing to deteriorate.
The National Weather Service Houston/Galveston office says the prolonged stretch of dry weather is the leading driver of the intensifying drought. Conditions have worsened steadily since early autumn, with no measurable rainfall in many locations in recent weeks.
The outlook for improvement remains limited in the near term. The next meaningful chance for rain does not arrive until late next week, and even that system carries uncertainty regarding both coverage and totals. Until then, temperatures and humidity will remain above seasonal norms, accelerating drying across fields, forests, and urban landscapes.
Residents in drought-affected counties are encouraged to practice water conservation and remain aware of elevated fire danger, especially in grassland and rural areas.
