Drought Worsens For Dallas

Today is the first day since 2006 that the city of Dallas is in the Exceptional Drought Category.  Sounds really dramatic!  It is a bad sign, but Dallas has been in the Extreme Drought Category since September.  This is just one step up from that category.  And Exceptional Drought is considered the worse category of drought.  Fort Worth has been in the Exceptional Drought Category since late September.

For reference, drought is classified in different categories.

Abnormally Dry

Moderate Drought

Severe Drought

Extreme Drought

Exceptional Drought

Below is a map showing North Texas.  The darker red is the exceptional drought area.

Here's a wider state view.

The drought is a huge issue, but the water in area lakes has a more direct impact on people's lives.  As lower lake levels mean more restrictions and calls for conservation.  Here's a look at how low area lakes are from full pool stage.

Here is the complete list of North Texas Lakes.  Click on the images to enlarge for easier reading.  I've also included the change in the lake level over the past 7 days.

SPRING OUTLOOK

There is a weak El Nino ongoing in the Pacific.  Typically an El Nino brings above average precipitation to North Texas.  That has not been the case this winter.  The hope is that Spring rains will replenish the lakes.  At this time, I don't see a big Spring bonanza of rainfall.  So that would keep us in the drought and lead to bigger problems when we enter the hot, dry months of summer.

~Larry Mowry