Drought Information

Drought Information

Drought conditions are expanding as rainfall deficits mount.

Current Drought Conditions

Fire Danger

A wetter than normal spring rainy season resulted in considerable vegetative growth. Rainfall deficits during July and August enhanced summer dormancy, and this abundant dry vegetation will remain as fuel for wildfires into the upcoming cold season. A dry start to autumn has delayed the onset of the fall growing season, and the eventual arrival of periodic cold fronts could result in an early start to the fire season.

As drought conditions intensify, numerous burn bans are in place across North and Central Texas. Even if a formal burn ban is not in effect for your area, it is still important to be vigilant about fire usage. Avoid open flames near dry vegetation, and assure all coals and embers are fully extinguished.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index is a drought statistic specifically designed to assess fire danger.

Water Restrictions

After nearly 5 years of significant water restrictions, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) began allowing twice-per-week watering on May 1, 2015. Sprinklers and other irrigation systems are still be prohibited between 10 am and 6 pm (April 1 to October 31). The NTMWD serves 1.6 million customers east and northeast of the city of Dallas.

In April 2014, the Fort Worth City Council made permanent its twice-per-week limit on landscape watering. Only hand watering is allowed between 10 am and 6 pm. Arlington, also within the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) service area, is still requesting that residents adhere to a twice-per-week watering schedule, but the formal restrictions have been lifted. Dallas has made permanent its twice-per-week limit, but the restriction on daytime watering is limited to the warm season (April 1 to October 31). Since water restrictions vary considerably throughout the Metroplex, residents should keep informed with the current guidelines from their municipality or water utility provider.

Voluntary conservation continues for both Waco and Temple/Killeen. However, water restrictions are in effect for some communities within McLennan County and Bell County.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) maintains a list of water restrictions across the state.

Drought Links

National Integrated Drought Information System

National Drought Mitigation Center

Drought Impact Reporter

Precipitation Estimates

Lake Levels