It’s not quite June yet, but parts of Northeast Texas are already experiencing dry soil conditions as the region heads into summer. The Sulphur River valley and adjacent areas are particularly dry.
According to federal data released May 31, all of Camp, Franklin, Morris and Titus counties are in moderate drought. Also, all but the northernmost part of Bowie county is in drought. Elsewhere around the region, northern Cass, eastern Hopkins, southern Red River, northern Upshur, and northeastern Wood counties are also classified in moderate drought.
Other parts of Northeast Texas not listed above are generally abnormally dry according to current data. The only areas experiencing normal levels of soil moisture are Fannin County (except for the extreme southwestern corner) and eastern Lamar County.
Elsewhere around the state, extreme drought conditions persist in parts of the Panhandle, South Plains, and Permian Basin.
Current weather forecasts for the upcoming weekend predict dry and hot conditions continuing through midday on Saturday. A cool front is expected to move into the region during the late afternoon and early evening hours of Saturday, with a slight chance for isolated thunderstorms forecast along the edge of the front.