Even after much needed rain arrived to parts of Texas on the last weekend of November, drought conditions continue to worsen across parts of the state.     


What You Need To Know

  • Exceptional drought conditions expand across West Texas

  • 106 out of 254 counties in Texas are under a burn ban

  • Drier than average conditions are expected to continue state-wide through February

A storm system and cold front moved into Texas during the last weekend of November, bringing much needed rain to some, not all. Western parts of the state remained dry, but half to over an inch of rain fell from north to south Texas.

In fact, 1.31 inches was a daily record rainfall for Corpus Christi on November 28. Southeast Texas into Mississippi picked up the most rainfall, with some totals adding up to two inches or more. 

Did the rain help with the drought conditions? Yes, for now, but for just a small part of the state. Abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions reduced in southern Texas, and moderate to extreme drought expanded in other parts of the state. Exceptional drought continues to grow across West Texas.

Looking ahead, rainfall looks limited. The 6-10 day precipitation outlook from the Climate Prediction Center does show a likely chance of above average rainfall, but the 8-14 day outlook shows likely below average conditions returning for the end of the month. 

 

With more than 100 counties in Texas under a burn ban, please be mindful of your outdoor activities. The concern is growing for elevated fire weather conditions into the end of the month, which is usually a time Texans go outside to light up the night sky with fireworks as we celebrate the start of a new year.