East Texas Drought Recovery Possible with Spring Rains

Hydrologist says drought conditions could improve if April showers continue

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:35am

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A vast, hazy landscape painting in muted earth tones, with a lone, desiccated tree or farmhouse structure dwarfed by the expansive, dramatic sky, conveying the overwhelming power and sublime scale of the natural world during a severe drought.A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting captures the overwhelming scale and melancholic mood of the drought gripping Texas, as the state's farmers and ranchers wait anxiously for the rains to return.Corpus Christi Today

Drought is widespread across Texas this spring, but recent April rains have brought some relief. According to a hydrologist with the Texas Water Development Board, monthly rainfall totals have been below average since August, leaving the state about 5.5 inches behind on precipitation. However, the first weekend of April brought significant rainfall, and several lighter storms have passed through in the following days, with 5% of the state exiting the most severe level 1 drought conditions. North Texas and East Texas could see significant drought recovery before summer if the spring rains continue, though South Texas, particularly the Corpus Christi area, is expected to remain in drought through at least the fall.

Why it matters

Drought conditions can have significant impacts on agriculture, water supplies, and wildfire risk in Texas. The state has experienced fluctuating drought levels over the past year, with the Hill Country flooding in July 2025 helping to temporarily reduce drought levels. However, the lack of rainfall since then has led to a steady increase in drought conditions, raising concerns about the potential for water restrictions, crop failures, and other consequences if the dry spell continues.

The details

According to the Texas Water Development Board, drought levels across Texas had been dropping since March 2025, but the decrease was particularly accelerated by the Hill Country flooding in July. Rain hasn't been as plentiful in the months since, with monthly rainfall totals for the state below average every month since August. This has resulted in Texas being about 5.5 inches behind on precipitation, a difficult deficit to make up. The first weekend of April brought significant rainfall, and several lighter storms passed through in the following days, with 5% of the state exiting the most severe level 1 drought conditions. However, South Texas, particularly the Corpus Christi area, is expected to remain in drought through at least the fall.

  • In March 2025, 14% of the state was experiencing the most severe level 4 drought conditions, compared to 5% on March 31, 2026.
  • Between March 31 and April 7, 2026, 5% of the state exited level 1 drought conditions.

The players

Mark Wentzel

A hydrologist with the Texas Water Development Board.

Russell Boening

The president of the Texas Farm Bureau, who has had to adjust tactics on his ranch in the San Antonio area due to the drought.

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What they’re saying

“'Drought is always right around the corner. One of the best things you can do is plan your landscape accordingly.'”

— Mark Wentzel, Hydrologist, Texas Water Development Board

“'Farmers and ranchers are eternal optimists. Otherwise, you wouldn't do this.'”

— Russell Boening, President, Texas Farm Bureau

What’s next

An El Niño pattern is forecast to emerge later this year, which brings more rain to Texas in the winter. Wentzel said increased winter rain would likely be the earliest the Corpus Christi area could exit drought conditions.

The takeaway

The fluctuating drought conditions in Texas highlight the importance of long-term planning and adaptation strategies for both urban and agricultural communities. While the recent April rains have provided some relief, the state's water resources remain strained, underscoring the need for continued conservation efforts and resilience-building measures to prepare for the potential impacts of climate change.