News Roundup

Drought

For more information visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Drought Roundup at
http://tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/news_roundup/drought

We are currently in the second worst drought in recorded Texas history. The worst drought occurred in the 1950s
Aug. 2010-July 2011 is considered the worst one-year drought in recorded Texas history according to State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M.
Aug. 2010-July 2011 is the driest 12-month period in at least 116 years
July 2011 was the warmest month since recording began in 1895.
June 2011 was the fifth warmest month since recording began in 1895.
July 2011 was the third driest month since recording began in 1895. The driest months were in 1980 and 2000
In July, Governor Rick Perry proclaimed: “several counties in Texas are currently threatened by exceptional drought conditions and an extreme fire hazard due to a continuing disaster in several counties in Texas.”
Also in July, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the wildfires in Texas a major disaster. This declaration opens up federal assistance to Texans dealing with wildfire damages.
The Drought Preparedness Council is housed in the Texas Department of Public Safety. Its State Drought Preparedness Plan provides a comprehensive information source for drought planning and procedure for all levels of government as well as public information and media protocols.