Rain and storms have returned to North Texas, but drought conditions are expected to continue.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Fort Worth predicts that drought conditions will likely persist through the fall season. These conditions are expected to remain despite the possibility of higher-than-normal precipitation levels in the latter half of the year.
Fall has technically begun, bringing with it an end to the oppressive triple-digit temperatures sustained over the summer. Temperatures were more hospitable this week, albeit warmer than normal, and the region saw some showers and thunderstorms.
The NWS noted that some parts of North Texas saw some severe weather. However, despite the rain, experts do not expect a dramatic change to the state’s ongoing drought conditions.
“It’ll take a few more rain events for us to make a good dent in the drought,” said David Bonnette, lead meteorologist for the NWS in Fort Worth.
The NWS’ latest report on drought conditions suggests that such conditions across most of the state are expected to persist through November. As of September 21, the latest data for North Texas shows that most of the region is currently under “extreme drought” conditions, while areas south of the metroplex are under “exceptional drought” conditions.
“Although El Niño may enhance precipitation amounts during the cold season, extraordinary deficits will take some time to reverse,” reads the report. “As such, the ongoing drought is likely to persist or worsen through the fall rainy season.”
The ongoing drought conditions and record heat this summer have also contributed to wildfires across the state. Due to the ongoing threat of wildfires, 215 counties across the state currently have active burn bans.
“While native vegetation is typically dormant during the summer months, inadequate rainfall enhanced the lack of moisture, increasing the wildfire threat,” reads the report. “Until significant rainfall occurs, drought-stressed or otherwise dormant vegetation will remain conducive to fire initiation and spread this autumn, even after the excessive heat comes to an end.”
Weather experts expect a return to summer-like temperatures next week, along with more chances of showers and storms.
