Texarkana – The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts 2 to 3 inches of rain across the Four States Region this weekend, a modest boost for an area still grappling with a significant drought deficit.
What the forecast means for local families
“That’s just not going to be enough to overcome the drought deficit,” said Marty Maynoux, a meteorologist with the NWS office in Shreveport, Louisiana. While the rain will help, Maynoux warned that the short‑term downpour is unlikely to replenish the deep‑rooted soil moisture that crops, lawns, and local wildlife need.
He explained that after a dry summer, the ground becomes “hard and compact,” causing much of the initial rainfall to run off rather than soak in. “A slow, steady rain for a long period of time would be more beneficial than several inches falling in a matter of hours,” Maynoux added.
Recent rainfall totals
July delivered just 0.91 inches of rain to Texarkana—2.46 inches below the 1991‑2020 normal of 3.37 inches. No single day in July recorded more than a half‑inch of precipitation. August fared slightly better, with 3.63 inches of rain, 0.65 inches above the monthly normal of 2.98 inches, but that total came from only four measurable days, including a concentrated 2.28‑inch event on August 7‑8.
The month’s average temperature was 86.4°F, 4.4°F above normal, and the city experienced 29 days of temperatures at or above 90°F. Such heat further dries the soil and stresses vegetation.
Broader regional outlook
NOAA’s June‑August climate report shows precipitation below normal across much of the South, with many stations recording between 25% of normal rainfall and near‑normal totals. Texas and Oklahoma were especially hard hit in August, each receiving less than 30% of their average August precipitation. August ranked as the third‑driest on record for Texas and the fifth‑driest for Oklahoma, marking the lowest statewide August totals since 2000.
Maynoux described the summer as an “extreme combination of wet and dry periods,” noting that the pattern produced an average‑looking seasonal total that masks the real impact on the ground.
Looking ahead
Even if the upcoming rain does not end the drought, it can act as a “primer,” loosening compacted soil and setting the stage for more sustained moisture later in the year. The three‑month seasonal precipitation outlook predicts slightly above‑normal rainfall as the region moves into October and November.
Residents are encouraged to conserve water where possible and stay informed about local water‑use advisories. While the weekend rain offers a hopeful sign, continued vigilance and patience will be essential as the community works toward full recovery.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
