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April saw both high and low temperatures associated with several frontal systems passing through the state. Rainfall was moderate for most regions, mostly from isolated convection with a few widespread rainfall events as well. However, this rainfall did little to improve on hydrological problems across the state, so drought conditions worsened on average. Statewide reservoir storage is now at 66 percent—still record low for this time of the year. Stage 3 drought restrictions are being placed in much of north central Texas near the Metroplex. Water supplies in west Texas near San Angelo are expected to only last another year, while those near Beeville on the Upper Coast are only expected to last for 2 years. There is some hope that the $2 billion water bill proposed last month, the state legislature now, will provide some relief.

Farmers in far west and south Texas still have dry conditions to contend with, where rainfall has been sparse for months and streamflows have become too low to depend on. Agricultural concerns aren't limited to a lack of rain this month, though. Strong frontal passages have brought temperatures near freezing for many parts of the state. The unseasonably cold conditions are causing concern for farmers, particularly for vineyards and peaches in central and west Texas; others remain convinced the cold won't affect prices or future yields for wheat, which is still young and resist the cold somewhat. A $5.3 million grant, provided through the Agriculture Secretary, is aimed at funding research to improve resilience to these problems.

Severe weather is becoming more common with the advent of spring, causing problems across the entire state. Frontal passages at the beginning and end of the month brought thunderstorms and flooding to central and east Texas, cutting power to a combined 130,000 people and causing hail and flood damage. In the middle of the month, high winds caused wind storms in west Texas which, combined with the dry conditions in these regions, kicked up dust and dropped visibility, causing anywhere between $15,000 and $20,000 in damages. These high winds have contributed to increased fire risk, allowing lightning to set of several fires in east Texas. This and other fire emergencies from the previous two years have prompted FEMA to grant Texas $31.2 million to combat new fires and recover from the many fires since 2011.
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