AUSTIN, Texas — A new drought monitor has been released and as expected, the week-to-week change does not look pretty.
Nearly every drought category worsened statewide, despite there not being any changes in Central Texas. For example, areas in the "abnormally dry" category increased by 5%, while areas not in a drought decreased by that same metric.
Areas of McCulloch and San Saba counties, which are just north of Mason and Llano counties, respectively, were previously not in a drought but are now in the "abnormally dry" category.
An additional metric that is of concern is a 10% increase in the statewide "moderate" drought coverage area. Brown and Comanche counties, which are not in the KVUE area but are part of the Trinity Aquifer Recharge Zone, have fallen into that category, as has the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex.
Meanwhile, areas of "severe" and "exceptional" drought remained the same, as "extreme" drought saw a 2% increase statewide, mainly closer to El Paso.
However, there could be changes that help our drought situation, especially as we head into next week.
We're tracking a 10-20% shower or storm chance from Monday through Wednesday, and all it takes is one downpour to make a dent in -- or even eradicate -- the drought situation.
With that, as well as the crazy hot temperatures that should come to an end after Thursday, it's important to stick with the KVUE Weather Impact Team for all the latest as the summer begins to wind down.
The seven-day forecast is below.
