Drought Information
Surplus summer rainfall kept drought conditions at bay, but the bulk of September was quite dry,
resulting in several wildfires across North and Central Texas.
October, climatologically the second wettest month of the year (after May), has brought some rainfall,
but the prospects are increasing for a drier than normal cold season with La Niña conditions already in place.
As a result, drought development is anticipated during the winter months.
Current Drought Conditions
Fire Danger
Fall cold fronts will bring periodic rain chances, resulting in the traditional autumn growing season. However, dry interludes could reaggravate the wildfire potential. The days of greatest concern for grassfires are those that are warm and windy with low humidity. The more pronounced fire season will occur after the first killing freeze, which is typically during November.
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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