Is Kimble County in a drought?
D0 Abnormally dry
No. Kimble County is not in drought on the Drought Monitor map of Sep 22, 2026, but 45.5% of it is abnormally dry (D0), the category before drought.
Map valid Sep 22, 2026, released Thursday, Sep 24, 2026. The next map is due Thursday, Oct 1, 2026. Statewide, 84.2% of Texas is in drought.
This week’s map
The Drought Monitor for Texas, valid Sep 22, 2026. County lines are drawn in; the categories are the same as the national map.

- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Open the live map with the Drought Monitor
Map courtesy of the US Drought Monitor, NDMC-UNL, with USDA and NOAA. Original at droughtmonitor.unl.edu
This week's map, by category
Percent of Kimble County in each category or worse, the Drought Monitor's own way of counting. In exactly one category this week: D0 45.5%, D1 0%, D2 0%, D3 0%, D4 0%; none 54.5%.
| Category | This weekSep 22 | Last weekSep 15 | 3 months agoJun 23 | A year agoSep 23 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D0 to D4 Abnormally dry or worse | 45.5% | 45.5% | 0% | 0% |
| D1 to D4 Moderate or worse | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| D2 to D4 Severe or worse | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| D3 to D4 Extreme or worse | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| D4 Exceptional drought | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| None | 54.5% | 54.5% | 100% | 100% |
The past year
Percent of Kimble County in each category, week by week. Each color includes the worse categories drawn over it.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Every week in the chart
| Map | D0+ | D1+ | D2+ | D3+ | D4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 22, 2026 | 45.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 15, 2026 | 45.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 8, 2026 | 2.8% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 1, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 25, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 18, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 11, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Aug 4, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 28, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 21, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 14, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jul 7, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 30, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 23, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 16, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 9, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jun 2, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| May 26, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| May 19, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| May 12, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| May 5, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 28, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 21, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 14, 2026 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 7, 2026 | 78.6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 31, 2026 | 78.6% | 27.3% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 24, 2026 | 78.6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 17, 2026 | 78.6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 10, 2026 | 78.6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 3, 2026 | 78.6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 24, 2026 | 78.6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 17, 2026 | 78.4% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 10, 2026 | 78.3% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 3, 2026 | 78.3% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 27, 2026 | 78.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 20, 2026 | 79.3% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 13, 2026 | 34% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 6, 2026 | 29.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 30, 2025 | 29.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 23, 2025 | 29.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 16, 2025 | 29.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 9, 2025 | 29.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec 2, 2025 | 29.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 18, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 11, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nov 4, 2025 | 100% | 39% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Oct 28, 2025 | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Oct 21, 2025 | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Oct 14, 2025 | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Oct 7, 2025 | 74.9% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 30, 2025 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Sep 23, 2025 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Since 2000
Every weekly map of Kimble County since January 2000.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Year by year
| Year | Worst category | Most in drought | Week of | Weeks with drought |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | D1 Moderate drought | 27.3% | Mar 31 | 1 of 38 |
| 2025 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 21 | 29 of 52 |
| 2024 | D2 Severe drought | 98.8% | Dec 24 | 40 of 53 |
| 2023 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 3 | 52 of 52 |
| 2022 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 4 | 52 of 52 |
| 2021 | D2 Severe drought | 99.6% | Dec 28 | 23 of 52 |
| 2020 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Aug 25 | 27 of 52 |
| 2019 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Oct 1 | 17 of 53 |
| 2018 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Jan 23 | 39 of 52 |
| 2017 | D1 Moderate drought | 100% | Nov 14 | 9 of 52 |
| 2016 | D1 Moderate drought | 16.5% | Aug 9 | 2 of 52 |
| 2015 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 6 | 30 of 52 |
| 2014 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Feb 25 | 52 of 52 |
| 2013 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 1 | 53 of 53 |
| 2012 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 3 | 52 of 52 |
| 2011 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 4 | 52 of 52 |
| 2010 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Nov 9 | 11 of 52 |
| 2009 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 6 | 42 of 52 |
| 2008 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Jan 15 | 51 of 53 |
| 2007 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Jan 2 | 13 of 52 |
| 2006 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Feb 7 | 52 of 52 |
| 2005 | D1 Moderate drought | 84.6% | Jul 26 | 14 of 52 |
| 2004 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2003 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | May 13 | 5 of 52 |
| 2002 | D1 Moderate drought | 100% | May 14 | 10 of 53 |
| 2001 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Jul 24 | 10 of 52 |
| 2000 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Jan 4 | 42 of 52 |
Drought history since 2000
Some part of Kimble County was in drought on 56% of the weekly maps since Jan 4, 2000, and exceptional drought (D4) last reached the county the week of Jun 3, 2025.
- Weeks with some drought
- 780 of 1,395 (56%)
- Worst category reached
- D4 Exceptional drought, last the week of Jun 3, 2025
- Most widespread
- 100% in drought, week of Nov 18, 2025
- Longest spell
- 240 weeks, Oct 26, 2010 to May 26, 2015
- Last in drought
- Week of Mar 31, 2026
Outlook
The Climate Prediction Center's drought outlooks at the center of Kimble County: whether drought is expected to develop, persist, improve or end.
- Monthly outlook, Oct 2026
- No drought expected
- Seasonal outlook, through December 31 (issued Sep 30)
- No drought expected
The monthly outlook is issued on the last day of each month, the seasonal one on the third Thursday. CPC's discussion.
What drought has meant in Texas
The National Drought Mitigation Center's examples of impacts observed in Texas at each level of drought, starting with this week's worst here.
D0 Abnormally dry This week
- Grass fires increase
- Planting is postponed; forage germination is stunted; hay cutting is reduced
- Producers begin supplemental feeding for livestock
- Surface water levels decline
D1 Moderate drought
- Dryland crops are stunted
- Early cattle sales begin
- Stock tanks, creeks, streams are low; voluntary water restrictions are requested
- Wildfire frequency increases
D2 Severe drought
- Hydroelectric power is compromised; well water use increases; mandatory water restrictions are implemented
- Pasture conditions are very poor
- Soil is hard, hindering planting; crop yields decrease
- Wildfire danger is severe; burn bans are implemented
- Wildlife moves into populated areas
D3 Extreme drought
- Increased risk of large wildfires is noted
- Many sectors experience financial burden
- Need for supplemental feed, nutrients, protein, and water for livestock increases; herds are sold
- Row and forage crops fail to germinate; decreased yields for irrigated crops and very large yield reduction for dryland crops are reported
- Severe fish, plant, and wildlife loss reported
- Soil has large cracks; soil moisture is very low; dust and sand storms occur
- Water sanitation is a concern; reservoir levels drop significantly; surface water is nearly dry; river flow is very low; salinity increases in bays and estuaries
D4 Exceptional drought
- Boat ramps are closed; obstacles are exposed in water bodies; water levels are at or near historic lows
- Culling continues; producers wean calves early and liquidate herds due to importation of hay and water expenses
- Devastating algae blooms occur; water quality is very poor
- Exceptional and widespread crop loss is reported; rangeland is dead; producers are not planting fields
- Exceptional water shortages are noted across surface water sources; water table is declining
- Extreme sensitivity to fire danger; firework restrictions are implemented
- Seafood, forestry, tourism, and agriculture sectors report significant financial loss
- Widespread tree mortality is reported; most wildlife species’ health and population are suffering
Drawn from the Drought Impact Reporter and local observers.
Burn bans and water restrictions
The Drought Monitor does not issue burn bans or water restrictions. Kimble County's officials, the state forestry or fire agency, and local water utilities set them, often once drought reaches D2 or dry fuels raise the fire danger. Check the county's emergency management office or fire marshal for a ban in force, and the alerts page for red flag warnings and fire weather watches.
This week in the South
The Drought Monitor authors' narrative for the map of Sep 22, 2026, released Sep 24, 2026.
The continued heat and dry conditions resulted in large areas of degradations the past week. Extreme drought can be found in every state in this region, with exceptional drought over much of northern Texas, western to southern Oklahoma, and parts of Arkansas. Both short-term and long-term drought are contributing to the conditions in this region. Over the last year, west-central Oklahoma is the driest on record, while in southwest Oklahoma it has been the second driest.
Looking ahead
The next five days are forecast to be wet along the northeastern coast from a nor’easter. The northwest is also predicted to receive needed precipitation. Remnants of a tropical system will provide significant moisture into the Four Corners states and the western Great Plains with heavy rainfall in the forecast. Parts of the northern Great Plains are also forecast to receive welcome precipitation. Areas with little rain in the forecast over the next five days are much of Texas and Louisiana, around the Great Lakes, and California and Nevada. The south and southwest should continue to have above normal temperatures, with cooler temperatures in the northeast and the northwest.
The 6- to 10-day outlook (September 29 to October 3) favors above normal temperatures over the southern half of the continental U.S. as well as the northeast. Hawaii is also likely to have above normal temperatures. The Great Basin area could have below normal rainfall, while above normal is possible over much of the central U.S. Both Hawaii and eastern Alaska are also favored to have above normal precipitation during this period.
Written by Lindsay Johnson, National Drought Mitigation Center; David Mocko, SSAI, NASA/GSFC. The national narrative.
What this means
The five categories the Drought Monitor draws, and how the map is made.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- Going into or coming out of drought.
- D1 Moderate drought
- Some damage to crops and pastures; water shortages developing.
- D2 Severe drought
- Crop or pasture losses likely; water restrictions imposed.
- D3 Extreme drought
- Major crop and pasture losses; widespread water shortages.
- D4 Exceptional drought
- Exceptional and widespread losses; water emergencies.
The US Drought Monitor is drawn every week by authors at the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA and NOAA, who weigh rainfall, soil moisture, streamflow, groundwater, vegetation health and reports from local observers. Each map shows conditions through Tuesday morning and is released on Thursday. It shows where drought is and how bad it is; it does not forecast it. CPC's outlooks do that.
Nearby
The counties bordering Kimble County, with the worst category on this week's map.
Sources
Statistics and narrative from the US Drought Monitor, courtesy of the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with USDA and NOAA. Outlooks from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. Impacts from NDMC's State Impacts tool.