Much of the Texas Panhandle and South Plains appears to be heading into severe drought conditions, despite heavy rains earlier in the summer.
As The Amarillo Globe-News reports,if the drought conditions continue as expected, it could take a heavy toll on crops in the region.
According to the Texas Water Development Board, in late spring there were no drought conditions to be found anywhere in the state. Three months later, drought conditions cover 10 percent Texas, with over a third of the state experiencing abnormally dry periods, including much of the Panhandle.
And some counties, including Randall and Swisher counties, are quickly moving from moderate to severe drought conditions that are being worsened by extreme heat.
July was the hottest month on earth since record keeping began in 1880.