Heavy rainfall and consistent springlike, stormy weather have led to improved drought conditions across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The current index, released Thursday by the U.S. Drought Monitor, downgraded drought conditions from “extreme” to “severe” in Dallas and Tarrant counties. Most North Texas counties are experiencing moderate or severe drought — an improvement from previous reports.
About 95% of the state is experiencing at least abnormally dry conditions, according to the drought monitor. The drought is severe for about 71% of the state and extreme for more than 40%. About 10% of the state — mostly in West Texas — is suffering exceptional drought, the most severe rating.
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While exceptional drought increased nearly 3 percentage points statewide in the past week, the dry conditions waned in much of eastern and northern Texas following heavy rainfall.
“Once you start getting more rainfall it lessens your drought severity,” said David Bonnette, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “We expect improving conditions by the next [drought monitor] update as well.”
According to the weather service, about 5.5 inches of precipitation have been recorded at DFW International Airport this year. Bonnette said the region averages about 9 inches of precipitation by the beginning of April.
Bonnette said below-average precipitation trends are possible through the next three months, adding to long-range drought conditions. But in the short term, the drought could be assuaged by spring showers.
“As the temperatures get warmer, then you’re going to get increased heavier rainfall with each system that comes in,” he said. “The chance of getting some periodic heavy rains is going to increase over the next couple months.”
Severe drought hardens soil and impedes plant growth. It also poses an elevated risk of wildfires and stresses on infrastructure, like water reserves, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center.
Water reservoirs in North and Central Texas are operating at about 90% capacity, according to the Texas Water Development Board. This time last year, the reservoirs were at about 96% capacity.
Bonnette said western counties — where most of the extreme and exceptional drought is clustered — are at an increased risk for wildfires. The weather service issued a red flag warning Thursday for North Texas counties west of Interstate 35, and the critical fire danger extends from the Panhandle south through Brownsville.
Any blaze could grow and spread fire rapidly in those western counties, the weather service said.
People are advised to monitor local burn bans and avoid outdoor activities that could spark flames, like unattended campfires, throwing lit cigarettes on the ground, outdoor welding or burning trash.
"severe" - Google News
April 08, 2022 at 01:55AM
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Drought lowered to ‘severe’ in Dallas County after spring storms - The Dallas Morning News
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