Drought conditions in Midland continue to persist, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The organization reports that just over 96 percent of the county is experiencing a moderate drought, while slightly more than three percent are in abnormally dry conditions. The other categories of drought and dryness include severe, extreme, and exceptional drought. Aside from East Texas, 49 percent of the state is currently experiencing drought.
According to an X post from the National Weather Service (NWS) Midland, these drought conditions pose a fire risk for the coming days. The NWS expects warm and windy weather today, with stronger winds anticipated on Monday and Tuesday. "Very high to extreme fire danger is forecast today and tomorrow," wrote NWS Midland. "Avoid driving over dry grass and outdoor burning of any kind, and extinguish any flammables such as cigarettes before you throw them away."
The NWS provides a detailed weather forecast for the upcoming days. Sunday will see a high of 74 degrees Fahrenheit with wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph and a low of 48. Monday's weather is expected to be sunny with temperatures reaching a high near 82, wind gusts up to 30 mph, and a low of 45. On Tuesday, conditions will remain sunny with a high near 72, gusts of wind up to 45 mph, and a low of 38. Temperatures are predicted to dip slightly on Wednesday with an expected high of 67 and a low of 45. Thursday's weather is projected to be mostly cloudy with highs near 72 and lows at 51, while Friday will see highs around 74 and lows at 42.