Texas Drought In Full Retreat

Dalhart Weather Review

(May 19 - June 1)
by Aaron Graves  

What a May! Over the last two weeks, Dalhart has seen

seven days with measurable rainfall, ending the month with 2.02" of rain. Since January 1, we have seen 6.74" of precipitation, which puts us 1.26" above our normal rainfall as of June 1. 
Rain was widespread over the entire Texas panhandle, with reports of flooding (and tornadoes) in places.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, dated June 2, shows the

Texas drought in full retreat. Most of the state is drought free, with only five localized areas considered "abnormally dry". The only hold out is Dallam, Hartley, Sherman and Moore counties, which are considered in "moderate drought". Still, that is a huge improvement since the end of April. The last time Dallam and Hartley counties were ranked below "severe" drought was back in March of 2011.

Heavy rains and historic flooding helped bring drought relief

to large areas of Texas and Oklahoma. The last time any part of Texas was ranked below "severe" drought was back in June of 2010, according to the NWS office in Midland, TX.

Lake levels have improved. Over 9.1 billion gallons of water were added to lake reservoirs just in the Texas Panhandle, according to the NWS office in Amarillo. Lake

Meredith is up to 50.4 feet, which is 10% full. That's up 5 feet since the end of April.
Summer is approaching and we are going to feel it this week as daytime temperatures are going to get up into the 90 degree range. Our next chance of rain is forecast for Sunday.
 
The first two weeks of June are typically the peak of our severe weather season, so keep an eye on the forecast. Storms on June 1 dropped golf ball sized hail about three miles east southeast of town.
 
High and low temps, and rain totals, the past two weeks

May 19: 72, 45, 0.53"
May 20: 56, 42
May 21: 56, 45, 0.29"
May 22: 70, 48, 0.03"
May 23: 70, 54, 0.33"
May 24: 76, 52
May 25: 75, 47
May 26: 79, 51
May 27: 84, 55, 0.02"
May 28: 80, 56, 0.03"
May 29: 77, 53
May 30: 70, 52
May 31: 83, 48
Jun 1: 87, 58, 0.03"