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2d ago

Drought Expands in Central Texas as Heat and Limited Rain Return

The U.S. Drought Monitor's increase signals lingering water stress with forecasts showing little relief for Central Texas over the next two weeks.

Shown is a satellite view over Texas, taken at 11 a.m. Saturday, with mostly sunny skies over the state. Similar sunshine is expected on Sunday.
Shown are the expected heat index values across Southeast Texas Sunday afternoon, left, and the potential future radar at 3 p.m., as a few scattered storms move inland.
Actual afternoon temperatures will be only slightly below the 100-degree mark, but humidity will make those temps feel more like the low 100s.
Peak daytime temperatures in Texas over the weekend will be a degree or two lower than they were earlier this week. Humidity, however, will make the temps still feel like they’re in the triple digits. 

Overview

  • The U.S. Drought Monitor this week reported about 3.8 million Texans in drought, covering roughly 25% of the state and leaving about 64% of Travis County in moderate drought.
  • Major metros have seen extended dry stretches with Austin near two weeks without measurable rain and Houston and San Antonio recording rainfall on only two of the past 24 and 23 days respectively.
  • Short-term forecasts call for scattered Gulf thunderstorms on Sunday with a 30–40% rain chance for Houston, but most showers will be brief and light with isolated storms capable of around 1 inch plus lightning and gusty winds.
  • High pressure is expected to rebuild midweek, pushing daytime highs into the mid-to-upper 90s and heat index values into the 100–108°F range, increasing heat stress for outdoor workers, older adults and young children.
  • Earlier wet months have kept Austin's local wildfire risk low, but parts of North Texas and the Panhandle face elevated fire threat and Houston and San Antonio still have above-normal year-to-date rainfall that reduces their drought vulnerability.