AUSTIN, Texas — It's another Thursday in Central Texas, and that means another drought monitor has been released for all to see.
However, it's a drought monitor that we're pretty sure no Central Texan actually wants to see, as the lack of rainfall has resulted in worsening drought conditions not just statewide, but locally as well.
Across Texas, we've seen an 11% increase in areas under the "abnormally dry" category, including sections of the Hill Country and all of Hays County. Areas not in a drought dropped by that same metric statewide. As for the "moderate" drought category, there was a 1% increase, including sections of eastern Williamson and Travis counties, as well as southern Blanco County.
To add insult to injury, we're also tracking a dry six- to 10-day period when we expect to be much drier than average. And with this stretch taking place in October – typically the third-wettest month on average at Camp Mabry – this doesn't bode well for our Highland Lakes or our overall drought situation.
However, if we're looking for a silver lining, it's that we are tracking a tropical system that, although the chances of development are weakening, could still bring some moisture in the form of a few possible rain showers on Saturday. While this is only pegged at a 10% chance, any rainfall would be beneficial, even if it would put a damper on the Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL).
Stick with KVUE as we continue to track this drought situation in Central Texas.
In the meantime, your seven-day outlook is below.
