Storms Brought Heavy Rain to Southwest and High Plains

Tropical moisture from Pacific hurricanes has provided drought relief to parts of the Southwest and High Plains.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Current Conditions

Rain clouds and heavy showers fall over a rugged desert canyon landscape, highlighting a shift in regional weather. — Tropical moisture from hurricanes Odalys and Polo has brought significant rainfall to the Southwest and High Plains, offering temporary relief from long-standing drought conditions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hurricanes Odalys and Polo delivered 5 to 10 inches of rainfall to the Desert Southwest, providing much-needed drought relief to areas including New Mexico and Colorado. While some regions saw improvements, intense drought conditions continue to impact central and eastern Texas and Oklahoma.

Why it matters

The influx of tropical moisture, driven by rapidly intensifying El Niño conditions, has temporarily mitigated water shortages in several states. However, persistent heat in the South continues to drive drought intensification in areas where rain totals have remained insufficient.

Weekly rainfall totals across the Southwest reached 5 to 10 inches, while temperatures in southern states climbed 6 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit above average. Northwestern Minnesota has seen full drought relief, yet extreme conditions persist in Texas and Oklahoma.

The players

Climate Prediction Center

This division of the National Weather Service provides climate outlooks and monitors atmospheric conditions to predict long-range weather patterns.

The details

Hurricane Polo tracked from the Baja of California into southern New Mexico, acting as a conveyor for tropical moisture across the region. This system is now expected to shift toward the Midwest and South, while the Climate Prediction Center anticipates that well-above average temperatures will migrate toward western states.

August and September experienced persistent heat and a lack of rainfall.
Hurricane Polo tracked into southern New Mexico on Monday and Tuesday.
Substantial rain fell from Arizona into the High Plains on Tuesday morning.
Regional drought conditions have shifted over the past week.
Above average temperatures are predicted for western states in 6 to 10 days.

Seasonal Patterns

This event follows a pattern set by the 2026 El Niño atmospheric configuration, which has driven elevated eastern Pacific temperatures and increased tropical storm frequency. These current conditions mirror past cycles where tropical moisture redirected across the Southwest to provide temporary drought relief.

Residents in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas should monitor local weather updates as drought conditions persist despite recent regional rains. Those in the path of the system moving toward the Midwest and South should prepare for potential heavy rainfall and localized flooding risks.

The takeaway

While recent tropical rainfall has provided a reprieve for parts of the High Plains and Southwest, the core of the drought in the Southern Plains remains largely unaddressed. Long-range forecasts suggest that elevated temperatures will continue to complicate water conservation efforts in western states.