Burn Bans

Drought

Monthly Change in Drought Monitor Classification

Drought spreading in Panhandle, South Plains -- The latest drought monitor was not good looking for farmers or gardeners in the Texas Panhandle. Deep soil moisture is still in place from last heavy rain last year, but surface moisture is drying up quickly. Some areas in the Panhandle are in moderate drought conditions. Drought conditions are expected to persist through April, which is not the best news for farmers about to plant soon.
The Plainview Herald, Doug McDonough, April 4, 2016

Dust storm blankets much of Texas Panhandle -- A dust storm in the Texas Panhandle basically engulfed the area overnight. 60mph winds associated with a cold front picked up dust from Colorado and Kansas as it moved through the Panhandle. The storm lofted dust about 2,000 feet into the air and made it as far south as Lubbock.
Beaumont Enterprise, Staff Writer, April 7, 2016

Wildfire

Warm weather continues, fire weather up in North Texas -- Above normal temperatures in North Texas point towards increased fire weather. The highest risk for for weather will be after noon, which is when winds should increase to above 20mph. National Weather Service officials urge to use caution if outdoor burning is necessary, but avoiding it when possible.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dylan Bradley, April 5, 2016

Fire Weather Across The South Plains -- Very dry air, warm temperatures, and gusty winds are in place in the South Plains near Lubbock. The northern most counties are at the greatest risk of fire weather. A cool down is expected Wednesday, but no rain chances are in the forecast until Sunday into Monday.
KCBD, Niku Kazori, April 5, 2016

Firefighters, landowners brace for prime wildfire conditions -- Compared to the first three months of 2015, Texas has seen a 1,200 percent increase in wildfires since the beginning of the year. The significant wildfire season was fueled by tall, dry grasses from heavy rains last year followed by a warm winter. In March alone, 64 fires burned 64,683 acres across Texas, which is 62,000 more acres than in March 2015.
Amarillo Globe-News, Aaron Davis, April 8, 2016

Agriculture/Livestock

Overall cattle market remains steady and looks good for producers in 2016 -- An agriculture economist with Texas A&M AgriLife said El Niño has played a role in cattle prices this year. Drought ending rains have provided ranchers to expand herds, which could drive cattle prices down in the long-term. Prices are expected to stay historically high in the near term even though conditions have been the best in recent years.
Abilene Reporter-News, Adam Russell, April 3, 2016

Soil moisture OK, profits low say South plains producers -- Although soil moisture is about average for the Lubbock area, the market for crops is awful. Farmers are trying to minimize their losses instead of trying to make money. Cotton prices are as low as 57 cents per pound and sorghum is under $3.50 a bushel; both of which are well below the average from recent years.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Josie Musico, April 3, 2016

Texas Crop and Weather Report -- Fruit growers are nervous about weather and disease disrupting the good crop thus far in 2016. The crop bloomed earlier this year due to a mild winter. With spring soon to arrive in full force, high winds and hail are the main threat to crops, but few weather related losses have been reported. The peach crop is looking sluggish due to its need for colder weather to exit its dormancy stage. Overall Texas fruit crops look good.
AgriLife Today, Adam Russell, April 6, 2016

Corn and sorghum made good progress in Texas -- Most of Texas continued to see windy and dry conditions. Wheat, corn, sorghum, and a few other crops progressed across the state, though a few weather related losses, mainly wind, were reported. Corn and sorghum made the most progress of all crops. 
High Plains Journal, Staff Writer, April 6, 2016

Cotton and soybean planting in full swing -- Dry and windy conditions were prevalent during the week ending on April 10. Cotton and soybean planting were in full swing the Upper Coast. Cotton planting also continued in South Texas. Warm season vegetables were being planted in Northeast Texas. The additional rainfall the state has seen since then has helped farmers with irrigation.
High Plains Journal, Staff Writer, April 12, 2016

Texas Crop and Weather Report -- Farmers and ranchers in all but one Texas county have reported damages to land and crops by wild pigs. An estimated 2.6 million wild pigs roam Texas and have a peak in birthrates during the Spring. An AgriLife Extension survey showed 71 percent of landowners have been affected by pigs, which has been estimated at $52 million in damages. While there is no cost worthy way to eradicate these animals, controlling their numbers is something farmers have had to face for years.
AgriLife Today, Adam Russell, April 13, 2016

Texas Crop and Weather Report -- Corn and sorghum seem to be on track to produce average crop yields for farmers around the state. So far, the weather has not caused delays like it did in 2015. However it is expected the rain and flooding from this weekend will harm localized farms and benefit others. The crop expectation will most likely change when surveying from the rain is completed.
AgriLife Today, Adam Russell, April 20, 2016

SCA number rising steadily in Deep South Texas -- Lower Rio Grande Valley farmers have had to advance their spraying schedules. Rising temperatures and rounds of rains have caused pest numbers to increase in corn and sorghum fields. Farmers are advised to scout for certain pests before irrigating and spraying their crops.
Southwest Farm Press, Logan Hawkes, April 25, 2016

Texas Crop and Weather Report -- The state climatologist said the heavy rain event in mid-April damaged was highly varied between individuals. Some farmers needed moisture in parts of the state while others lost upwards of 2,000 acres of corn. Up to 10,000 acres of corn drowned or was swept away in Fayette County. Elsewhere, 1,000 acres of corn was lost due to hail damage.
AgriLife Today, Adam Russell, April 26, 2016

Significant Weather

Rainfall/Flooding

Wolflin students help provide flood relief -- Nearly everything in the town of Deweyville was submerged at the end of last month, even the schools. Students at Wolflin Elementary School in Amarillo are collection basic school supplies and letters of encouragement to send to Deweyville. Supplies are trying to be sent before April 11, which is when class is scheduled to resume.
KFDA, Kaylee Merchak, April 4, 2016

Rain returning to West Texas this weekend -- Rain stays in the forecast for the Lubbock areas with a chance of showers and thunderstorms possible late Friday and again on Sunday. Lubbock residents, and especially farmer are hoping for rain. The latest drought monitor has most of the Texas Panhandle in abnormally dry conditions with some areas in moderate drought conditions.
KCBD, John Robinson, April 6, 2016

Recovery Continues in Texas Town of Deweyville After Floods -- Mounds of garbage can be found on nearly every curb in Deweyville. Residents now have to live with the stench of garbage, swarms of gnats, and the thought of how and when they will rebuild their homes. School is set to reopen Monday, but students have been walking door to door to offer assistance to neighbors as needed.
NBC 5 DFW, Eric Besson, April 7, 2016

Tracking multiple weekend rain chances -- A few chances of rain in Abilene will be possible this weekend as upper level features move across the area. Moisture will continue to feed into the area Friday before the first feature moves in. A cluster of showers and with lightning and thunder will be possible Saturday morning. The area will remain dry until Sunday night when the second round of showers and thunderstorms arrives.
KTXS, Hayden Nix, April 8, 2016

Flood advisory until 1:45am for Travis, Williamson counties -- The National Weather Service has issued a significant weather advisory for Bastrop, Travis, and Hays counties. A line of thunderstorms producing wind gusts up to 50mph, torrential rain, and small hail is moving toward the area. In addition the NWS issued a flood advisory for Travis and Williamson counties. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rain could fall on top of over an inch of rain already on the ground.
The Austin American-Statesman, Staff Writer, April 12, 2016

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms in forecast for Texas Panhandle -- An abnormally dry year thus far is expected to end this weekend in the Texas Panhandle. Amarillo is forecast to see an inch of rainfall with some area to the east up to 4 inches. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has placed most of the Panhandle in a slight risk for severe weather for Friday. A slow moving weather system will make the weekend and most of next week a damp one.
Amarillo Globe-News, Staff Writer, April 14, 2016

Weekend rain expected to last until Tuesday -- The National Weather Service is expecting a slow moving upper level storm system to arrive in Central Texas Saturday Night. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are forecast in the Austin area with as much as 5 inches in isolated areas. It is still too early to pinpoint the location of heaviest rainfall, but expect a wet weekend for much of the state.
The Austin American-Statesman, Staff Writer, April 14, 2016

Most of Big Country in flash flood watch starting Saturday -- The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for parts of the Big Country including Big Spring, Colorado City, and Snyder. These areas are forecast to receive up to three inches of rain by Sunday evening. Thunderstorms are expected through the day Saturday followed by slow moving heavy rain Sunday.
Abilene Reporter-News, Staff Writer, April 15, 2016

Texas operations center on level 3 activation -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the Texas State Operation Center will be elevated to Level 3 activation as heavy rain and flooding move into Texas. Level 3 activation means state personnel are available for rapid deployment. Heavy rain, flooding, and possible tornadoes are in the forecast across Texas for Sunday through mid week.
KEYE, Staff Writer, April 16, 2016

Severe weather/flood threat April 17-19 -- Heavy rainfall and flooding are expected in Southeast Texas Sunday through Wednesday. The heaviest rain is expected to fall in the area of College Station to Houston. It is difficult to pinpoint where the heaviest rainfall will occur, but forecasters and emergency personnel are advising residents to stay alert when the storms arrive.
Deer Park Broadcaster, Staff Writer, April 16, 2016

Flash flood watch issued across Southeast Texas -- The American Red Cross in Houston took inventory and restocked emergency relief trailers ahead of flooding expected this week. Red Cross workers are standing by in 51 counties with 17 relief trailers ready. Much of the state is expected to see 3 to 5 inches of rain with some areas receiving 8 to 10 inches.
The Houston Chronicle, Glynn Hill, April 17, 2016

Storms drench Austin Area, Force Opening of Floodgates --A flash flood watch has been issued for the Austin area as afternoon storms dumped heavy rain in the vicinity. The Lower Colorado River Authority opened a partial floodgate at Tom Miller Dam then shortly after opened two floodgates at Longhorn Dam. Additional rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast through Thursday.
TWC News, Joshua Kleinstreuer, April 17, 2016

Rains put San Angelo 4 inches above normal mark -- Rain that fell in San _Angelo set a record for the 24-hour period. 1.41 inches fell at the regional airport breaking the previous record of 1.13 inches set last year. The average rainfall for April is 1.42 inches. After the record setting rain Sunday, San Angelo is 4.03 inches above the average year-to-date rainfall.
The San Antonio Standard-Times, Rashda Khan, April 17, 2016

Flood-related deaths reported around Houston area -- Emergency crews are still searching for a driver suspected of being trapped in a car under high water.  Other reports have stated seven people were found dead inside their vehicles in areas of high water. Officials have stressed this is a life threatening situation and urge drivers to not cross areas of water.
ABC 13, Staff Writer, April 18, 2016

Rain closes campuses, roads in SE Texas -- 12 to 15 inches of rain fell overnight in some areas of northwest Houston causing devastating flooding. An upper level system will hang around for the next few days potential dropping another 2 to 4 inches of rain on the area. Some areas of Houston, even with the large amount of rain, are still upwards of an inch below average for this time of year.
Beaumont Enterprise, Dan Wallach, April 18, 2016

‘Unprecedented’: 5 Dead as Record Rainfall Floods Houston -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in nine counties as massive amounts of rain flooded southeast Texas. George Bush Airport in Houston cancelled almost 650 flights and over 1,000 were delayed. Reports of over 1000 homes were flooded and authorities were responding to over 1,500 flood emergencies. At one point 123,000 were without power according to Cedar Point Energy. 
NBC News, Elisha Fieldstadt, April 18, 2016

More rescues underway in Cypresswood -- Some areas of northwest Houston received over a foot of rain overnight Sunday into Monday. Cypresswood Creek was still on the rise as of Tuesday morning. Emergency officials say nearly 200 people have been rescued from Chasewood Common Apartments near the creek. The National Weather Service reports the creek is at 127.5 feet Tuesday morning. The last time the creek was this high was over 20 years ago.
KHOU, Staff Writer, April 19, 2016

Abbott declares Bastrop County a disaster area after flood -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for nine counties including Bastrop in Central Texas. Bastrop has been in the path of three major flood events in the past year. With upwards of 6 inches of rain falling over a wide area in Central Texas, authorities are urging residents to monitor lake and river levels even when it is not raining. Local rivers and lakes are expected to rise as water flows downstream from tributaries.
The Austin American-Statesman, Staff Writer, April 19, 2016

Seventh flood victim found in submerged SUV -- Two people have been found dead inside a vehicle after historic flooding hit northwest Houston. Emergency crews were pumping water from a tunnel where the car was. Nearly 30 feet of water made it difficult for crews to reach the vehicle. Five others were found dead in similar high water situations Monday.
KHOU, Staff Writer, April 19, 2016

More rain as Brazos River continues to rise -- The Brazos River is expected to reach 24 feet Thursday after cresting at almost 27 feet Tuesday morning. Heavy rain overnight Tuesday into Wednesday prompted the Brazos River Authority to open a second flood gate at Possum Kingdom Lake. In Millsap, residents have lost belongings due to flood waters. Some residents are looking into legal action against the Authority.
WFAA, Monica Hernandez, April 20, 2016

Warnings issued for flood-control dams in Texas -- Thunderstorms in the Houston area are exacerbating flooded areas. Thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes and eight people have been killed. An official with the Harris County Flood Control District said the recent rain is not likely to cause more flooding. Some residents, however, have been ordered to leave their homes in areas along the swollen Colorado River.
WCBD News, Staff Writer, April 22, 2016

Wait continues for Colorado RIver to crest in Wharton; mandatory evacuation ordered -- Neighborhoods on the west side of Warton along the Colorado River are being overrun with water. The river crested at 48.29 feet, which is the fourth highest crest on record. Officials are not forcing residents to leave their property, even though a mandatory evacuation was ordered.
ABC 13, Pooja Lodhia, April 22, 2016

Stormwater releases from reservoirs continue; Buffalo Bayou rising but still below storm levels -- Extended stormwater release from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs into the Buffalo Bayou are ongoing due to the large amount of water in the reservoirs. Although some water is being reported in streets near the release, U.S Army Corps of Engineers are controlling the release with standard procedures.
Cypress Creek Mirror, Staff Writer, April 23, 2016

More than 6,700 homes flooded, passing memorial Day event -- As of Sunday the number of flooded homes in Houston reach 6,700 passing the total from last year’s memorial Day floods. Surveyors estimated $56 million in residential and commercial losses. Engineers closed the Addicks and Barker reservoir floodgates during the storm, but open them to remain draining, which is expected to last weeks.
The Houston Chronicle, Mark Collette, April 24, 2016

Rainfall Totals Reach highest In Over A Decade -- Recent rains in Hill County in Central Texas has set a record for the wettest April in over a decade. The month’s total is 5.85 inches with more rain on the way. The 7.25 inch mark recorded in April of 2004 will be close to falling to this April.
The Reporter, Staff Writer, April 24, 2016

Katy ISD students returning to school after flood -- Students in Katy ISD schools are returning to school Monday after more than a week of cancellations. Although some streets are still underwater, bus routes have been changed to ensure safe travel for students. While out of school, students collected water, food, and cleaning supplies for Houston homeowners who continue to clean their flooded homes.
KHOU, Melissa Correa, April 25, 2016

Severe Weather

Grayson County hit hard by severe storms -- The National Weather Service has confirmed three tornadoes touched down in Grayson County Tuesday night. Severe homes and businesses suffered damage. Five residents were injured during the storms according to officials. Bell and Howe school districts closed Wednesday due to the damages. 
KDFW, Staff Writer, April 27, 2016

Lightning and rain possible this weekend -- The South Plains could see a few rounds of rain this weekend, but heavy rain or large storms are not expected. Rain chances decrease after the early morning hours of Saturday. There is another chance of thunderstorms Sunday afternoon.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Jordan Sigler, April 8, 2016

Severe thunderstorms could hit Austin after 8pm -- The National Weather Service is monitoring severe weather that could hit the Austin area during the late evening hours on Sunday. Storms in Mexico are expected to push towards the Austin area, which will have the possibility of producing large hail and damaging winds. Storms are expected to weaken as they approach the area, but could still last long enough to create an impact.
The Austin American-Statesman, Staff Writer, April 10, 2016

Thunderstorms expected for San Antonio through Wednesday -- San Antonio is expected to get wet, at least until Wednesday. Forecasters with the National Weather Service expect strong to severe storms Sunday night. Rain chances will increase each day through Wednesday. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Monday followed by a 60 percent chance Tuesday and 70 percent chance Wednesday.
San Antonio Express-News, Kelsey Bradshaw, April 10, 2016

Thunderstorms expected late Tuesday night, early next week in Austin -- Springlike weather and the effects of El Niño seem to be settling into Central Texas. Thunderstorms are expected to move through the Austin area overnight and drop up to an inch of rain in some places. More storms are expected to arrive Sunday and Monday. El Niño seems to finally be here with the average temperature in April so far being about a degree below normal.
The Austin American-Statesman, Marty Toohey, April 11, 2016

Minimal damage done as hail severe weather hit Denton -- Quarter to tennis ball size hail fail in Denton County on Monday afternoon. Despite the reports of large hail no major damage was reported. Storms will fire up again overnight into the morning hours of Wednesday. The area will dry out and temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 70s with mostly sunny skies.
Denton Record Chronicle, Jenna Duncan, April 11, 2016

Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Kaufman County until 9pm -- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Kaufman COunty and much of North Texas until 9pm this evening. The best potential for severe storms will be north of Interstate 20. Thunderstorm chances will continue for the area Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. Heavy rain is once again in the weekend forecast after sunny skies return Thursday and Friday.
inForney, Mathew Richards, April 11, 2016

Hail, rain pummel most of area -- Windows and windshields were broken in the San Antonio area Tuesday night. Hail stones up to the size of grapefruits, or about 3.5 inches across, fell near Helotes. Police officers responded to low water crossings and a police vehicle had its windshield shattered. The San Antonio International Airport reported 1.26 inches of rain.
San Antonio Express-News, Jacob Beltran, April 12, 2016

Locals handle hail storm aftermath -- Some Guadalupe County residents were battered with hail large enough to break windows and damage cars and houses. The National Weather Service received reports of 2 to 3.5 inch hail falling overnight Tuesday. A weather pattern is shaping up to be a heavy rain maker this coming weekend, which is not the best news for residents who have been hampered by flooding and hail.
Seguin Gazette, Jessica Kuhn, April 13, 2016

Officials warn of dangerous storm systems -- The New Braunfels area is forecast to receive rain beginning Sunday and lasting on and off until Wednesday. The National Weather Service forecasts 3 to 5 inches with locally higher amounts of 7 inches. A Meteorologist with the NWS said it is difficult to pinpoint the location of the heaviest rainfall. Emergency personnel are standing by to assist with flooding and emergencies.
Herald Zeitung, Dalondo Moultrie, April 15, 2016

Possible tornado blamed for woman’s death near Tomball -- Surveying crews with the National Weather Service will analyze potential tornado damage that killed one during Wednesday morning storms. Crews will assess damage in Spring, Willis, Montgomery, and Tomball where heavy damage was done. Winds of 60mph were reported in some Houston areas.
The Houston Chronicle, Steve Gonzalez, April 27, 2016

Storms sweep through Wichita Falls, cause power outages -- A line of storms passing through Wichita left 1,000 residents without power according to power company officials. Throughout the event, there were multiple reports of fallen power lines and snapped power poles. In the area, storms did not live up to expectations, which in the overall scheme of things, is a good thing.
Times Record News, Lynn Walker, April 26, 2016

Five reportedly injured in possible Grayson County tornado -- Preliminary reports of two tornadoes are being investigated as strong storms moved through North Texas Tuesday. Grayson County was this hardest hit leaving many without power and injuring 5 people. Several schools in North Texas cancelled after school activities due to the severe weather threat. 
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Bill Hanna, April 26, 2016

Warm Weather

Rain moving out, great weekend weather moving in -- High pressure will build almost right over Southeast Texas this weekend. Temperatures will be chilly overnight, but sunny skies and average temperatures are expected during the day. Dry weather will persist through the week with temperatures warming into the lower 80s.
12NEWS, Patrick Vaughn, April 1, 2016

Sunny skies and slightly cool weather in Houston to start the weekend -- A busy weekend in Houston is shaping up to be a beautiful one. After a chilly morning saturday, temperatures will rise under clear, sunny skies. The same pattern will persist into Sunday as a ridge of high pressure is sitting over the area. Temperatures will continue to warm into the low 80s for the start of the work week.
KPRC, Eric Braate, April 2, 2016

Tracking a warm and dry start to the work week -- A ridge of high pressure located over the Gulf of Mexico will make for clear skies and warm temperatures heading into the week. Temperatures in Abilene will warm into the low 80s before a cold front arrives Wednesday. A dry air mass will move into the area with northerly winds, but temperatures will warm quickly to above normal.
KTXS, Hayden Nix, April 4, 2016

Other Climate Impacts

Economics/Technology

IRS extends tax deadline for Texas flood victims -- Taxpayers in Fayette, Grimes, Harris, and Parker counties will be granted an extended tax deadline and other special tax relief. The IRS announced taxpayers will have until September 1st to file their returns and pay taxes. This announcement came in the footsteps of President Obama announcing those counties as disaster areas due to flooding.
CW39, Staff Writer, April 27, 2016

Lake Mexia flood victims may be eligible for aid -- Four to six inches of rain fell on Lake Mexia, which caused lake levels to rise that flooded several homes. Limestone County, along with nine other Texas counties, has been added to the presidential declaration of disaster. Residents in Limestone county can now apply to receive federal funding. 
KXXV, Kandace Thomas, April 7, 2016

San Antonio hail storm Texas’ costliest, council says -- The April 12th hailstorm that damaged houses, businesses, and cars is the costliest hailstorm in Texas according to the Insurance Council of Texas. Automobile insurance loss is expected to reach $560 million and home insurance loss is expected to reach $800 million. Over 110,000 vehicles and thousands of homes were damaged in the north side of San Antonio.
The Houston Chronicle, Staff Writer, April 20, 2016

Cy-Fair, Klein ISDs estimate $4 million each in damage from Houston floods -- Seven school districts in the Houston Metro area are expected to resume classes Monday after more than a foot of rain flooded campuses. Two school districts expect to spend close to $4 million each to repair flood damages. Nearly 200,000 students were out of school for a week due to dangerous flooding.
The Houston Chronicle, Fauzeya Rahman, April 22, 2016

Federal Disaster Declaration Granted for Four Texas Counties -- Harris, Grimes, Parker, and Fayette counties will receive federal aid following last week’s flooding. Governor Greg Abbott thanked the President and FEMA for responding quickly to the request in order to get residents back on their feet. 
ABC 13, Staff Writer, April 25, 2016

Hunting/Fishing

Rains in March could be boon to fishermen in April -- Spring is usually filled with dark clouds, lots of rain, and sad freshwater anglers. This March lived up to that expectation as the eastern portion of the state was hit by major floods. However, all that rain is expected to boon white and largemouth bass this coming month.
The Houston Chronicle, Shannon Tompkins, April 2, 2016

Redfish season: Pearland’s Jordan close to repeat in Orange -- The Elite Redfish Series Classic kicked off to nice weather in Southeast Texas. The weather got tough during the second day of the three day event according to fishermen. Clouds rolled in and wind picked up, which made it difficult to find fish. The flood that battered the region two weeks ago also changed some of the normal fish hot spots.
Port Arthur News, I. C. Murrell, April 9, 2016

Texas Fishing Report: Tides high, Seadrift fishing still good -- Recent rains have been providing fishermen with good conditions. The warming spring sun is increasing water temperatures and the rain is increasing tide levels. Fishermen have reported catching 7-8 pound trout in in the high grass beds along the shoreline thanks to higher tides.
Lone Star Outdoor, Lili Sams, April 24, 2016

Recreation/Leisure/Athletics

Weather not welcoming for 7,500 Texas Relays athletes -- A record number of athletes was not the only thing that showed up in Austin for the Texas Relays. Rain, high wind, and thunder caused delay after delay during Friday. Saturday is forecast to be sunny and in the 70’s.
KEYE TV, Bettie Cross, April 1, 2016

Rose City Farmers Market opens for the year -- This is the fifth year the Rose City Farmers Market has taken place. Each year, local farmers bring fresh, homegrown crops and other items to sell. This year the weather has been up and down, which has slowed down some farmers crops. These farmers are trying to re-introduce the old tradition of buying locally grown products. Other farmers markets will open this week across the state.
Tyler Morning Telegraph, Roy Maynard, April 2, 2016

Orchid blooms -- In the Rio Grande Valley, the blossoming of Orchids can be seen most anywhere in the Valley. The tree can produce an array of flower colors. The Valley is in a good climate zone for this tropical tree to grow, but a late cold spell could put a damper on this tree’s beauty.
Valley Morning Star, Lori Murray, April 3, 2016

Weather delays start of Texas Sprint Cup series race -- The Duck Commander 500 NASCAR race at the Texas Motor Speedway was postponed due to light rain. Specially designed cars were trying to dry the track before the original start time of 7:46pm start time.
NASCAR, Holly Cain, April 9, 2016

It’s honey flow season -- During a six to eight week span during the Spring, the East Texas food source is prime for honeybees. East Texas is filled with pollen resources, but poor nectar resources compared to the northern states. Because of this beekeepers bring their hives to East Texas during the winter where temperatures are more moderate then bring them back North once temperatures begin to warm up.
The Daily Tribune, Ron Couch, April 9, 2016

Weather can’t stop a Texas sweep for Kyle Busch -- After a delay of nearly two hours, the Duck Commander 500 got the green flag close to 10pm. Light rain soaked the track, which was the cause of the delay. The race ended after midnight thanks to the delayed start.
WFAA, Mike Leslie, April 10, 2016

Clouds of pollen usher in North Texas allergy season -- The mild winter tricked trees and plants that Spring came early. With that, the release of pollen has begun in North Texas and allergy season is ramping up. The historic rain last year has helped trees grow quicker than usual, and in turn they have produced large volumes of pollen. Typical Spring allergies occur from mid January to mid May.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Azia Branson, April 13, 2016

Severe weather forecast forces Texas Tech to nix spring game -- Texas Tech announced Thursday their spring football game scheduled for Saturday will be cancelled due to inclement weather. Lubbock is expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain with strong winds, lightning, and hail. The football program decided to open practice on Friday to the public.
College Football Talk, John Tyler, April 14, 2016

Weather looks good for Main St. festival Saturday; Sunday, keep an eye on the sky -- There is a slight chance of showers in North Texas Saturday before heavy rain and thunderstorms arrive Sunday. Rainfall total are expected to be in the 3 to 5 inch range. Saturday will be the best day to enjoy the outdoors and the Main St. Arts Festival in downtown Fort Worth.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Bill Hanna, April 15, 2016