Much of the western Oklahoma Panhandle and south to southeastern Texas Panhandle remained in severe to exceptional drought conditions through the month of December. Some areas did see some snowfall during the month, however liquid to snow ratios remained low and resulted in minimal improvement. Almost all the combined Panhandles, despite the level of drought, experienced struggling winter crops. Even the crops that did eventually sprout late, still had very short stocks. Rangeland grasses continue to be sparse with many ranchers having to purchase feed.

Drought in GRAY, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-20 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-20 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The majority of the Gray County was in severe drought (D2) through the month of December. There were only slight improvements in the southwest and northern edges of the county in the latter half of the month. This was due to these areas receiving upwards of 4 inches of snow around the 13th and 14th in the southwest corner of the county. Also, another 3 to 4 inches of snow fell around Pampa on the 15th. The county rainfall and melted snow deficit remained 8 to 12 inches below normal going back 1 year.

Drought in WHEELER, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-20 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-20 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Around 90 percent of Wheeler County began and ended December in severe drought (D2) conditions. This was despite receiving a couple of inches of snow during the middle of the month. The county rainfall (and melted snow) totals remained 8 to 12 inches below normal going back 1 year.

Drought in DEAF SMITH, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-20 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-20 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Around 90 percent of Deaf Smith County remained in at least severe drought (D2) through the month of December. About a quarter of the county in the southern most portions remained in exceptional drought (D4) with the rest of the southern half of the county in extreme drought (D3). Soil moisture continues to be very poor to poor with not much hope for any winter wheat crop. The county rainfall (and melted snow) totals remained 8 to 12 inches below normal going back 1 year.

Drought in ARMSTRONG, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-20 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-20 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

In the beginning of the month Armstrong County saw severe drought (D2) in the southeast corner of the county. About half way through the month of December conditions improved in the southeast while the northwest portion of the county saw degradation into severe drought conditions. The county remained 8 to 12 inches below normal going back 1 year.

Drought in COLLINGSWORTH, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-20 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-20 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The entirety of Collingsworth County was in at least severe drought (D2) through the entire month of December. There was a small portion of the southeast corner that remained in extreme drought (D3) through this time. The county rainfall total remained 8 to 12 inches below normal going back 1 year.

Drought in DONLEY, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-20 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-20 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Donley County saw 90 to 95 percent of the county in severe drought (D2) at the beginning of December. Snow fall around the 13th helped to improved much of the northwest portion to moderate drought (D1) and those conditions remained through the end of the month. The county rainfall totals remained 8 to 12 inches below normal over the past year.

Drought in RANDALL COUNTY, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-20 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-20 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Randall County continued to see severe drought (D2) in the northern portions and extreme drought (D3) in southern portions through the month of December. The county remained 8 to 12 inches below normal going back 1 year.