Droughts are likely to become more frequent and severe across the Southern Plains region.

The Southern Great Plains region can expect increased dryness and aridity in the future, as hotter temperatures increase evapotranspiration and deplete soil moisture. Some of the negative effects of drying may be offset by the increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, which can stimulate plant growth and increase water-use efficiency. Decreases in available surface water may lead to an increased demand for groundwater. Model simulations predict conditions to possibly become drier than at any time during at least the last 1,000 years.