Texas just had its driest December-February stretch on record.
For the central part of the state, 2008 turned out to be the
driest year experienced since the mid-1950s. 2008 Rainfall
was generally 16 to 20 inches below normal. According to the
state climatologist, drought conditions across Central Texas
during 2008 were the most severe since the drought of 1917-1918.
Inflows into the Highland Lakes during 2008 were the lowest
since LCRA began keeping records in 1942. So far in 2009,
inflows remain near the lowest on record. It will take several
periods of heavy, soaking rain to cause a significant change
in the ongoing drought.
Another record has been set! The 30-day period from June
16th through July 15th, 2009 was the HOTTEST 30-day period
ever recorded in Austin (temperature records for Austin date
back to 1898). The average temperature during that period
was 89.5 degrees. The previous record for a 30-day period
was 89.1 degrees which was set between July 28th and August
27th, 2000.
LATEST NEWS:
Central Texas area is now classified in the worst possible
drought category–D4, or “exceptional” drought. On August 7th,
the National Weather Service issued a Public Information Statement
confirming that this is officially the hottest summer ever
recorded in Austin. At least, so far. Also, can you beileve
that August 6th marked beginning of the second half of summer?
By 1:45 August 7th, the temperature had already reached 103
degrees in Austin, making this the 48th day of triple digit
heat this summer. We will tie last year’s 50 days of
100 degree or hotter afternoons in the days that follow, then
move into 3rd place on the all-time list on Monday. Heaven
help us if we move into the #2 position at 66 days, or #1
at 69 days, but at this point, I wouldn’t rule it out.
