During the past week there was an uptick in drought conditions in Central Texas and a return of severe drought to the Panhandle, according to the Texas Water Development Board’s Water Weekly Report.
Plainview even experienced an afternoon shower Monday resulting in 0.05 inch of rainfall.
While there has been scattered showers and thunderstorms reported throughout the region over the weekend, the region’s two major reservoirs are showing a gradual decline.
A week ago it stood at 14.8 percent, six months ago at 14.9 percent and one year ago at 15.2 percent.
Lake Meredith, near Fritch, stood at 23.8 percent capacity Monday, down from 24.1 percent a week ago.
Six months ago it was at 23.6 percent, and 25.4 percent a year ago.
Currently, drought conditions cover about 8 percent of Texas.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that above-normal precipitation fell across southwestern Texas and southeastern Texas to southern Alabama during the reporting period, with rainfall amounts in excess of 2 inches.
Ovals of severe drought were added to the Texas Panhandle, including Hutcherson, Carson and Collingsworth counties, as well as western Oklahoma where the last two to six months have been dry.
Rainfall chances should pick up this weekend as another front pushes through the area.