Are We Out Of The Drought Yet?

To answer this question with one simple word....no. However, with recent rainfall and a more active pattern that has set up shop in Texas, we are slowly pulling out of what was a long, hot, dry 2011. Some of the numbers might shock you as I talk about this later on towards the end of this report.

Nonetheless, today provided another healthy rain for the area, with some locations getting soaked, and some left in the dust.

Heaviest rain was on a line from Brenham to Huntsville. Over 2" was recorded at Brenham Municipal Airport. Unfortunately, over Navasota in southern Grimes County, roadways were flooded, giving commuters a tricky ride to work. Around College Station, about 0.5" fell, and as little as a trace in Hearne.

Now, with the wet weather today, we continued to climb the latter for wettest February's on record.

Just today, with the reports coming from Easterwood Airport, College Station has jumped from the #4 spot, to #2, with many more days left in February. Plus, a large storm is poised to strike the Brazos Valley and Southeast Texas during the weekend.

We have talked a lot about the numbers here....what does it all mean? Are we out of the drought yet? The following image is the latest Drought report, with the newest one coming out tomorrow. However, tomorrow's report will no include today's rain event.

You can click on the image to make it larger so you can see the information better. Your eyes are likely pointed at the map of Texas with the colored contours. But the most interesting information comes from the numbers on the left side of the image.

These numbers are breakdowns in terms of percentages for the whole state, of where there is an Exceptional Drought (D4), and no drought. Numbers here reflect the current situation and from where we were this time a year ago, 3 months ago...etc.

Notice the percentage of the state that is in the worst category (D4) Exceptional Drought, three months ago, 65.82%. Since September 27th, 85.75% of the state as in this exceptional category. Now peel your eyes on how we fare now.....only 23.12% of Texas is considered under and exceptional drought. This is an amazing turn around.

Also, notice that 4.93% is not even seeing any drought conditions. These numbers are for real and are having a huge impact on the Lone Star State. If we keep up the rain at this rate....we could be out of this in no time.

The current pattern favors more rainfall, but we still have a ways to go. But we are looking good. By the next several reports that come out, you will notice that less areas will be experiencing an exceptional drought, including the Brazos Valley.