Midland County is facing ongoing drought conditions, as detailed in the latest report by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
According to the organization, over 96 percent of Midland County is experiencing a moderate drought affecting 132,072 people, 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, approximately 54 percent of the state is experiencing some level of drought. This February marked the driest in the 131 years of recorded weather history with the city seeing 0.65 inches below normal. The year has begun as the 10th driest on record, with the area seeing 1.1 inches of precipitation below normal.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Midland reports that seasonable temperatures and calmer winds are expected after recent dusty and windy conditions. "However, despite the weaker winds some elevated fire weather concerns will persist due to continued very dry conditions," the organization wrote on X.
A detailed weather forecast by the NWS states that Sunday will see a high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit with wind gusts up to 15 mph and a low of 46. Monday's weather is expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching a high near 81, wind gusts up to 30 mph and a low of 55. On Tuesday, conditions will remain sunny with a high near 85, wind gusts up to 40 mph, and a low of 45. Wednesday will have an expected high of 64 with windy conditions and a low of 37. Thursday's weather is projected to be sunny with highs near 68 and lows at 47. Highs around 79 are anticipated on Friday, with lows reaching near 45.