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Drought worsens over the last year in Texas

Drought continues to worsen across the state as the current pattern prevents rainfall.

Every Thursday the new drought report is released and this week's report confirms that conditions continue to worsen across Texas.

Recent lack of rainfall thanks to a significant ridge of high pressure over the Central U.S. has led to worsening drought conditions not just for SE Texas, but the entire state.

Credit: KHOU

Over 19 million Texans are now experiencing some form of drought, accounting for nearly 80% of land area.

Credit: KHOU

That's up from just 14% from this time last  year.

Credit: KHOU

Drought is rated in four categories ranging from moderate drought (D1) to exceptional drought (D4).

Credit: KHOU

Conditions have become particularly bad across SE Texas, with most counties south and west of Houston experiencing at least "severe drought" status.

Credit: KHOU

As a result, many counties across the state, including a few in our area, have started to implement burn bans to prevent the development of wildfires.

Credit: KHOU

The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) expects drought conditions to persist and expand across the state over the next few months as a below normal rain pattern stays in place.

Credit: KHOU

Of course, it would only take one tropical system to change that, but at the moment not much development is expected in the Atlantic.

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