Heavy October Rains Lessen Drought Conditions In Texas
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — New data shows heavy rains this month across much of Texas have significantly improved drought conditions in the state.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday shows Texas with no areas in either extreme or exceptional drought, the two worst categories.
About 21-percent of the state was experiencing extreme drought while another 5-percent was facing exceptional drought before rains arrived last weekend that brought flooding to some regions.
Drought conditions in North Texas are expected to get even better. CBS 11 Storm Team meteorologists are predicting a 50-percent chance of rain October 30 and a 100-percent of showers on Halloween.
More than half the state is not experiencing any level of drought while about 44-percent is seeing abnormally dry conditions, the lowest drought level.
Minimal drought conditions are concentrated primarily in North and East Texas, with a band extending into Central Texas and southward.
A year ago, only a quarter of Texas was drought-free.
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