The National Weather Services is reporting a large expansion of Extreme Drought this week across most areas south of I-10, including the southern portions of Harris County. This has led to Burn Bans for Galveston, Madison, Walker, Austin, Jackson, Matagorda, Wharton, Colorado, and Waller counties. The Severe Drought areas have expanded northward into more parts of Harris, Liberty, Austin, Washington, and Grimes counties. A small section of Moderate Drought was also introduced to portions of Trinity and Houston counties.
Almost no rain has fallen across much of the region so far this June resulting in monthly rainfall deficits around two to four inches of rain. Temperatures have been above average with temperatures around four to five degrees above normal. The combination of hot weather and little to no precipitation has brought rapidly worsening drought conditions.
The City of Houston, and the North Harris County Regional Water Authority announced stage 1 drought contingency plans this week.
80% of Texas is now experiencing moderate drought conditions, while over 42% of Texans are in extreme drought.
