Not every instance of severe weather comes with a silver lining, but some do. This past week’s storms, which left Austin in a declared state of disaster due to flooding, has managed to make major improvements in the state’s drought status.
As seen in the images below, conditions in Texas were bleak just two weeks prior the recent storming. Red and dark orange areas indicate “exceptional” and “extreme” drought affecting over 51 percent of the state, caused by dry conditions pervading since July. However, the more current image shows the state as only “abnormally dry” with “moderate” drought after receiving some 16 inches of rain. The rain has improved Texas’ drought conditions by 91.5 percent.
David Miskus via U.S. Drought Monitor
The rain has also served to lift all burn bans in the Brazos Valley. You can check other areas for current burn bans here.
Rain is still a possibility this coming weekend. Check out Friday’s Austin forecast here.
