Drought Information
Since the heavy rain event in early January, precipitation totals across North and Central Texas have been below normal.
As drought conditions slowly return, there may be some wildfire concerns before warm season vegetation re-emerges.
Current Drought Conditions
Fire Danger
Warm season vegetation remains dormant, but periodic rain events will continue to spur the growth of winter grasses, which can temporarily reduce the fire threat. However, because there was considerable vegetative growth during the anomalously wet fall growing season, this now dormant vegetation will remain as potential fuel for wildfires throughout the remainder of the cold season. Fire weather concerns are most likely to occur on warm, dry, windy days, particularly those that follow extended periods without precipitation. Although few burn bans are currently in effect across the region, 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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