Drought Information
Summer rainfall has been uneven across the region, and drought conditions have re-emerged in some areas.
Fire weather concerns may arise in drought-stricken areas, and burn bans have been enacted for several counties.
Current Drought Conditions
Fire Danger
Above normal spring rainfall resulted in considerable vegetative growth across the region. Now in summer dormancy, this abundant vegetation could serve as fuel for wildfires the remainder of the summer.
The number of burn bans has been steadily increasing this summer, particularly across Central Texas and the Big Country. 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
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