Drought Information Statement for North and Central Texas Valid November 7, 2023 Issued By: NWS Fort Worth Contact Information: sr-fwd.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated December 9, 2023 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/fwd/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. U.S. Drought Monitor Abundant October rainfall improved drought conditions across the region. Drought Intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): ended in late October, after persisting since the beginning of August D3 (Extreme Drought): west/northwest portions of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in North Texas; Killeen and Fort Cavazos in Central Texas D2 (Severe Drought): portions of North Central Texas, western North Texas, and Central Texas D1 (Moderate Drought): the remainder of the I-35 corridor and the Big Country Recent Change in Drought Intensity Drought conditions intensified across nearly the entire region during the summer. But during September and October, many locations experienced 2- to 3-category improvements. Precipitation The image on the left shows October rainfall. Many locations (in red) received more than 5 inches, and a few spots (in purple) topped 15 inches. Normal values range from 3 inches in western North Texas to 5 inches in East Texas. The image on the right shows 2023 departures from normal precipitation. Despite autumn rainfall, some locations are still well below normal for the year to date. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Some reservoirs continue to struggle, but Lake Waco more than doubled in volume during October. Agricultural Impacts October rainfall allowed for planting, but the fall growing season was cut short with early freezes. Fire Hazard Impacts Across much of the region, the transition to winter dormancy has begun. Throughout the cold season, this vegetation will remain conducive to fire initiation and spread. Other Impacts For many areas, the current drought is now over 2 years in duration, resulting in deep soil moisture deficits that are adversely impacting native trees. Mitigation Actions Water conservation measures are widespread. Since water restrictions vary, residents should keep informed with the current guidelines from their municipality or water utility provider. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Most reservoirs are at least 90% of capacity, but some continue to struggle, particularly from the Big Country into Central Texas. Lake levels at Belton and Stillhouse Hollow have risen but are still only around 60% full. Lake Palo Pinto is just above 38% full, and Proctor Lake has fallen to 28%. Water Conservation Measures: Dallas and Fort Worth - twice-per-week limit, only hand watering 10 am to 6 pm (for Dallas the daytime limit is only from April to October) Killeen - Stage 2: twice-per-week limit, no outdoor watering from 10 am to 8 pm (identical restrictions for Temple, Belton, Harker Heights and Copperas Cove) Waco - mandatory water restrictions were lifted on October 30 Fire Hazard Impacts October rainfall improved vegetative health. However, early season freezes arrested the fall growing season in many areas. The resulting dormant vegetation will be conducive to fire initiation and spread. The days of greatest concern for wildfires are those that are sunny and warm with low humidity and breezy winds. Be vigilant about fire usage. Avoid open flames near dry vegetation, and assure all coals and embers are fully extinguished. Long-Range Outlooks El Niño may enhance precipitation amounts throughout the cold season. As a result, precipitation outlooks through into early 2024 favor above normal precipitation. Drought Outlook Although outlooks continue to favor above normal precipitation, it will take some time to reverse the extraordinary deficits across the region. Some drought improvement has already occurred and additional improvement is projected during November. However, drought conditions are likely to persist across much of the region.