75% of Texas is now at worst drought level

[sonias]

Fort Worth Star-Telegram 7/21/11
75% of Texas is now at worst drought level

Three-fourths of Texas is now baking in exceptional drought, the worst level, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday.

Three months ago, only 15 percent of the state was experiencing exceptional drought. One year ago, nearly 83 percent of the state was drought-free.

October through June was the state's driest nine-month period on record, though the drought is still ranked No. 3 in state history, said state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon.
If current conditions continue through July and August, the drought could surpass 1918 for second place; if they continue through September, it could approach the record-setter of 1956, he said. Official weather record-keeping began in 1895 in Texas.

Already, nearly 96 percent of Texas is categorized as in extreme drought or higher.

Only a "couple of corners" of the state have received above-average rainfall in July, after a June that was the hottest ever, Nielsen-Gammon said.

We are dying... :scared: :(

[white cloud]

1. Livestock and Wildlife dying

all over the place. Tanks rivers stream dry and no grass or hay.

[SteveM]

6. Some animal rightists oppose dear culling in Austin...

where over 400 prowl a NW Austin neighborhood; "let nature take its course."

If nature (which somehow doesn't include humans) is allowed to do so, there's going to be a big stink wave from the die-off. I have mixed emotions about what we humans should do about feeding and watering for wildlife. As a hunter, I am also moved by sentiment and pity.

[sonias]

9. Thirst and hunger are horrible ways to die

It takes a while to get there. I have apathy for wildlife too. I hope you don't get to the great stink off stage.

[TEXASYANKEE]

2. I'm afraid ...

.... that this is the new "normal" for Texas.

[SteveM]

3. It's so hot in Austin that all my roaches have collected in the tub; drippy faucet.

[sonias]

4. OMG!

That's an image I really want to forget imagining. :)

[SteveM]

5. Think captive audience and easy disposal! Went to 101 today.

[sonias]

7. And it felt like 110

I know I'm in Austin too. And no cooling or rain relief in site.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/weather/entries/2011/07/22/no_relief_in_si.html?cxntfid=blogs_weather_watch">AAS Weather Watch blog 7/22/11

No relief in sight for triple-digit heat wave

Central Texas’ high temperature will linger in the 100-degree range this weekend and into the coming week, according to the National Weather Service.
Evening lows are slated to reach the high 70s throughout the weekend, the service said.

Both Camp Mabry and Austin-Bergstrom reached the triple-digit mark yesterday. For Camp Mabry, yesterday’s high of 103 marked the sixth straight day of triple-digit heat.
Camp Mabry has reached 100 degrees 37 days this year.

:(

Well at least those roaches don't have to worry about thirst anymore. :evilgrin:

[SteveM]

10. On target to bust another record as well...

I feel like I'm member of the "I Stink" organization, a group which is raising funds for water wells in Kenya. Members agree to not bathe for a week during their campaign. I can see it: Guy opens door to the fund-raiser: "Hi! I'm with..."



"Here! Here!....Take all I got!"

What a technique.

[MelissaB]

8. I'm in San Angelo, and it broke my heart to hear stories

from a rancher. This is only my second summer here in Texas, and I never imagined anything like this.