SAN ANTONIO — The latest drought report shows conditions worsening in the Lone Star State, with extreme drought stretching over three south Texas counties and moderate drought crawling into Bexar County.
Most of the San Antonio metro area is still under abnormally dry conditions. However, a good portion of western Bexar County has moved up a stage in just one week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Areas in red are counties under extreme drought, and these include McMullen, La Salle, Dimmit and a small portion of Atascosa.
These conditions are a result of warm and dry conditions that have taken hold across the region over the past several months.
Last month was one of the warmest Decembers in over 130 years with temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees above 1991-2020 normals, according to the National Weather Service. This, in combination with recent and long-term dryness, has led to drought concerns, especially in western portions of the region.
The entire Lone Star State is in some form of drought with 96% of Texas under abnormally dry conditions, 85% under moderate drought and 65% under severe drought.
Although San Antonio is in the lowest drought stage – abnormally dry – such conditions have an impact on local crops, plants and soil.
Abnormally dry conditions lead to an increased risk for grass fires and moderate drought conditions can stunt the growth of crops.
Although rain is in the forecast, drought status is expected to continue since winter is one of the driest seasons of the year for south Texas.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is updated every Thursday to show the location and intensity of drought across the country.