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Burn Bans

County-wide burn bans through August 1

July 2 – Gregg County enforced a burn ban, but allowed fireworks for Independence Day celebrations.
Kilgore News Herald, Aaron May, July 2, 2011.

July 3 – A record 235 out of 254 counties were under a burn ban.
KHOU Houston, Mario Gomez, July 3, 2011.

July 4 – Georgetown followed through on their fireworks show even though most of the state experienced burn bans.
KVUE Austin, Quita Culpepper, July 4, 2011.

July 15 – Less severe drought conditions allowed Cameron County to issue burn permits.
The Brownsville Herald, Laura Martinez, July 15, 2011.

July 18 – Outdoor burn bans were extended to 247 counties.
The Houston Chronicle, July 18, 2011.

Drought

Monthly Change in Drought Monitor Classification

U.S. Drought Monitor, July 5, 2011
U.S. Drought Monitor, July 26, 2011

July 5 – Galveston County faced record monthly temperatures and drought conditions.
The Daily News (Galveston), Chris Paschenko, July 5, 2011.

July 6 – Farmers and ranchers are devastated by the drought when 213 counties were designated as primary natural disaster areas.
San Antonio Express News, July 6, 2011.

July 7 – A drought council was held in Austin to discuss the extensive effects across the state.
KSAT San Antonio, July 7, 2011.

July 13 – Small businesses in rural towns were affected by the drought.
KXXV Waco, Christine McCarthy, July 13, 2011.

July 14 – Cloud seeding took place in the Panhandle in hopes of rain.
KFDA Amarillo, Diana Crawford, July 14, 2011.

July 16 – Another Dust Bowl claimed to be unlikely due to the altered landscape.
Amarillo Globe News, Kevin Welch, July 16, 2011.

July 21 – Exceptional Drought was designated in 75% of the state of Texas.
The Star Telegram (Fort Worth), Steve Campbell, July 21, 2011.

>July 28 – Some scientists believed that long term droughts could change the nature of the state.
Longview News Journal, July 28, 2011.

July 29 – Hays County reminded local businesses of Drought Disaster Assistance.
KUT Austin, Katrina Tollin, July 29, 2011.

Fires

July 3 – The Boy Scouts of the Buffalo Trail Council demonstrated resilience after the wildfires.
Odessa American Online, Deana Savage, July 3, 2011.

July 9 – A wildfire rampaged through Sabine county and was believed to have been sparked by lightning.
KTRE Lufkin, Tina Alexander, July 9, 2011.

July 10 – A benefit was held in Grimes County for a victim of the recent wildfires and Hurricane Katrina years ago.
KBTX Bryan/College Station, Clay Falls, July 10, 2011.

July 14 – Firefighters in East Texas braved the heat of the flames.
KYTX Tyler/Longview, Jennifer Heathcock, July 14, 2011.

July 30 – The Mitre Peak Fire has burned about 1,000 acres and was 75% contained.
CBS 7 Midland, July 30, 2011.

Water Supply

July 1 – Houston faced a water dilemma as the aquifer levels were plummeting.
KHOU Houston, Dave Fehling, July 1, 2011.

July 8 – Fredericksburg entered into Stage 4 mandatory water restrictions.
KXAN Austin, Jessica Brorman, July 8, 2011.

July 9 – The Gulf of Mexico’s significance was felt all across the state, and even the nation.
The Star Telegram (Fort Worth), July 9, 2011.

July 10 – Reports said that the Dallas rains kept Lake Livingston full.
The Huntsville Item, Tori Brock, July 10, 2011.

July 12 – Brazos Valley residents were asked to conserve water as the demand was expected to rise.
The Battalion (Texas A&M), Connie Thompson, July 12, 2011.

July 13 – Wells have dried up and homeowners are forced to relocate in Randall County.
KFDA Amarillo, July 13, 2011.

July 20 – Llano continued its Stage 4 water restrictions, in order to avoid the looming Stage 5.
The Llano News, Heather Wagner, July 20, 2011.

Agricultural Impacts

July 1 – Local ranchers near Hillsboro faced tough decisions amidst the drought.
Hillsboro Reporter, July 1, 2011.

July 2 – The wheat crop faced dreadful conditions this season.
Connect Amarillo, Matt Hamilton, July 2, 2011.

July 11 – Irrigators were forced to make tough decisions amidst the drought.
KSAT San Antonio, July 11, 2011.

July 15 – Farmers gained an upper hand in the Panhandle with the aid of technology.
The Gonzales Inquirer, Norman Martin, July 15, 2011.

July 19 – The wineries in Texas have benefited from the drought.
KHOU Houston, Quita Culpepper, July 19, 2011.

July 25 – Consumers sought to eat the local produce to help farmers throughout the state.
KUT Austin, Nathan Bernier, July 25, 2011.

July 30 – The AgriLife Extension portrayed a bleak outlook in their crop report.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Associated Press, July 30, 2011.

Inclement Weather

July 3 – How to beat the sun and the harmful UV rays during the summer.
San Antonio Express News, Forrest Mims III, July 3, 2011.

July 4 – A Tyler news station report explored lightning ‘bolts from the blue.’
KETK Tyler, Casey Claiborne, July 4, 2011.

July 11 – Briscoe County experienced up to eleven inches of rain.
KFDA Amarillo, Diana Crawford, July 11, 2011.

July 14 – A towering dust devil halted traffic in downtown Lubbock.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Adam Young, July 14, 2011.

July 24 – An article concerning the weather occurrence of a heat burst.
Connect Amarillo, Shelly Sites, July 24, 2011.

Flooding

July 19 – Floods halted transit and traffic in the Port Arthur area.
KFDM Southeast Texas, July 19, 2011.

July 28 – Heavy thunderstorms flooded an El Paso area that had already been hit by a freak flood a month earlier.
El Paso Times, Aileen Flores, July 28, 2011.

Heat

July 1 – Three postal workers in El Paso were hospitalized due to the extreme temperatures.
KVIA El Paso, Celina Avila, July 1, 2011.

July 7 – Tips for keeping children safe in the summertime heat.
KTXS Abilene, Roger Mares, July 7, 2011.

July 8 – In Lubbock, a power company faced a dangerous position on disconnecting policies during heat advisories.
KCBD Lubbock, Michael Slother, July 8, 2011.

July 10 – Proper hydration is a key to ensure safety in the heat.
KYTX Tyler/Longview, Anthony Austin, July 10, 2011.

July 11 – Heat was believed to be the cause of two deaths in North Texas.
The Star Telegram (Fort Worth), Domingo Ramirez Jr. and Mitch Mitchell, July 11, 2011.

July 12 – A particular medicine could increase the risk of suffering a heat stroke.
KBTX Bryan/College Station, Nicole Morten, July 12, 2011.

July 14 – The Valley was issued a Heat Advisory and expected to have rolling blackouts.
The Monitor (Rio Grande Valley), Associated Press, July 14, 2011.

July 15 – Like much of the state, North Texas experienced record-breaking warm overnight lows.
The Star Telegram (Fort Worth), Susan McFarland, July 15, 2011.

July 18 – The heat smashed records in Abilene and across the state.
KTXS Abilene, Julie Phillips, July 18, 2011.

July 19 – A study stated that warm drinks could keep people cool in the heat.
KETK Tyler/Longview, Cody Spain, July 19, 2011.

July 20 – A few questions were answered about killer heat waves of the past.
San Saba News & Star, Texas A&M University, July 20, 2011.

July 21 – Texas led the nation in hot car deaths.
KVUE Austin, Wendy Rigby, July 21, 2011.

July 25 – North Texas tied the all-time warmest minimum temperature on record.
The Star Telegram (Fort Worth), July 25, 2011.

July 27 – Dermatologists observed an increasing number of heat-related skin conditions.
KDAF Dallas-Ft. Worth, Barry Carpenter, July 27, 2011.

July 30 – Temperatures skyrocketed and little rain transpired after Tropical Storm Don disintegrated.
Corpus Christi Caller Times, Mike Baird, July 30, 2011.

July 31 – The heat continued its deadly streak in the Valley.
Abilene Reporter News, Scott Kirk, July 31, 2011.

Hurricanes

July 6 – Affected homeowners shared $62M in a settlement after Hurricane Katrina.
The Houston Chronicle, Cain Burdeau, July 6, 2011.

uly 20 – Tropical Storm Bret weakened as Hurricane Dora intensified.
Beaumont Enterprise, Associated Press, July 20, 2011.

July 21 – The state prepared to distribute $29M in hurricane recovery funds.
Beaumont Enterprise, Sarah Moore, July 21, 2011.

July 27 – Tropical Storm Don raised hopes for rainfall in Texas.
The Houston Chronicle, Eric Berger, July 27, 2011.

July 28 – The State Climatologist deemed Tropical Storm Don as an unlikely drought breaker.
Texas A&M University News, July 28, 2011.

July 29 – Galveston County identified the last unknown victim of Hurricane Ike.
The Daily News (Galveston County), Chris Paschenko, July 29, 2011.

Severe Weather

July 2 – Gilmer cleaned up the town after high winds and lightning caused localized damage.
KYTX Tyler/Longview, July 2, 2011.

July 5 – Lightning supposedly caused a house fire in Beaumont.
KFDM Beaumont, Scott Lawrence, July 5, 2011.

July 13 – Las Cruces struggled through a power outage caused by lightning.
KFOX Las Cruces, July 13, 2011.

July 19 – Lightning damages a family’s roof in Groves.
KFDM Beaumont, Lindsey Kovacevich, July 19, 2011.

July 20 – A strong storm system left wreckage behind in New Braunfels.
KGNB New Braunfels, July 20, 2011.

July 24 – A gust from a thunderstorm tied the maximum wind speed record in Amarillo
Amarillo Globe News, Joe Gamm, July 24, 2011.

July 25 – Harris County witnessed some intense storms that blew away the competition.
KTRK Houston, Jessica Willey, July 25, 2011.

July 26 – A Denison home caught fire after a lightning strike.
Herald Democrat (Texoma), July 26, 2011.

Other Climate Impacts

July 17 – An automated weather station short course was set for July in College Station.
AgriLife Today, Robert Burns, July 17, 2011.

Air/Water Quality

July 3 – An environmental report on polluted water in the Galveston area.
The Daily News (Galveston County), Katie Terhune, July 3, 2011.

July 9 – The dangers of water quality for livestock were made clear by a Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent.
Denton Record Chronicle, Eddie Baggs, July 9, 2011.

July 15 – A Heat Advisory and poor air quality plagued the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex.
NBC Dallas-Ft. Worth, Frank Heinz, July 15, 2011.

July 18 – Drought and heat was expected to provide relief for ragweed allergies.
KVUE Austin, Jim Bergamo, July 18, 2011.

July 26 – Volunteers were trained on red tide identification in Brownsville.
The Brownsville Herald, Isaac Garcia, July 26, 2011.

July 27 – Pollution traced widespread effects on weather in this article.
Texas A&M University News, July 27, 2011./p>

Animals/Aquatic Life

July 5 – The drought hindered some insects, but allowed other species to thrive.
KUT Austin, Kelsey Sheridan, July 5, 2011.

July 8 – The heat has killed off fish and caused toxic bacteria to grow in Lake Texoma.
KTEN Texoma, Ashley Prchal, July 8, 2011.

July 11 – In Austin, Honey Bees sought to quench their thirst.
KXAN Austin, Rhonda Lee, July 11, 2011.

July 17 – Allergies troubled dogs, especially during the summer months.
The Star Telegram, Elizabeth Campbell, July 17, 2011.

July 21 – Coyotes became a new danger in the Houston area because of the drought.
KTRK Houston, Demond Fernandez, July 21, 2011.

July 22 – The drought was believed to be increasing the cases of rabies.
The Star Telegram, Elizabeth Campbell, July 22, 2011.

July 24 – In Austin, bats took the risk to forage longer and farther for insects.
Austin American Statesman, Farzad Mashhood, July 24, 2011.

July 26 – Health officials confirmed West Nile in twenty-four mosquito pools in The Woodlands.
The Spring Observer, Anna Waugh, July 26, 2011.

July 29 – Zookeepers created popsicle treats in an effort to keep the animals cool at the Dallas Zoo.
KDAF Dallas-Ft. Worth, Daniel Novick, July 29, 2011.

Construction

July 4 – Lake Columbia faced a devastating obstacle in its long-term plan because of the drought.
The Lufkin Daily News, Melissa Crager, July 4, 2011.

July 12 – The City of Pasadena logged over 500 repair calls for broken water lines.
KHOU Houston, Alex Sanz, July 12, 2011.

July 29 – Homebuilders began to choose to build towards a greener alternative.
Star Local News, Andy Pawlinski, July 29, 2011.

July 30 – Boardwalk building plans threatened the survival of Houston’s wetlands.
Culture Map Houston, Stephan Lorenz, July 30, 2011.

July 31 – An executive tried to quell doubts over wind turbines off of South Padre Island.
The Monitor (Rio Grande Valley), Steve Clark, July 31, 2011.

Economics

July 5 – Deer and cattle production experienced significant declines in the Big Country.
Abilene Reporter News, Jerry Lackey, July 5, 2011.

July 6 – Prices for water increased in West Texas.
Midland Reporter Telegram, Kathleen Thurber, July 6, 2011.

July 7 – The heat caused foundation problems for homeowners, and scams created financial loss.
KTRK Houston, Jeff Ehling, July 7, 2011.

July 9 – A diminished demand for benchmark cotton drove the prices to the lowest point since January.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, July 9, 2011.

July 12 – Some businesses took advantage of the warm weather to make a few gains.
KETK Tyler/Longview, Casey Claiborne, July 12, 2011.

July 16 – Low lake levels hurt businesses on Lake Travis.
YNN Austin, John Salazar, July 16, 2011.

July 22 – The prices of milk were expected to rise due to the drought.
KCBD Lubbock, Michael Slother, July 22, 2011.

uly 23 – Smaller businesses struggled to maintain day-to-day operations during the summer.
YNN Austin, Sebastian Robertson, July 23, 2011.

July 25 – The food banks in El Paso took a hit due to the recession and the drought.
El Paso Times, Alex Hinojosa, July 25, 2011.

July 31 – The livestock and agriculture businesses were expected to suffer for several months because of the drought.
KCEN Waco, July 31, 2011.

Homes/Gardening/Trees

July 1 – A San Angelo native gave tips on planting small, drought-hardy trees that would help your landscape.
San Angelo Standard Times, John Begnaud, July 1, 2011.

July 6 – Rain Sage created hopes for rain in San Angelo as they bloomed in full force.
San Angelo Standard Times, Jerry Lackey, July 6, 2011.

July 7 – Landscaping tips are provided for North Texans.
The Star Telegram, July 7, 2011.

July 13 – The drought took their toll on trees in Central Texas.
KVUE Austin, Andrew Chung, July 13, 2011.

July 16 – Thieves swiped AC units from unsuspecting victims.
Seguin Gazette, Felicia Frazar, July 16, 2011.

July 17 – Summers can stink, literally.
Austin American Statesman, Helen Anders, July 17, 2011.

July 27 – A 1,000-year-old tree was watered by volunteer fire departments to ensure its survival.
Corpus Christi Caller Times, Jesse Martinez, July 27, 2011.

July 28 – The combined heat and power outages caused miserable conditions for a Dallas neighborhood.
WFAA Dallas-Ft. Worth, Gary Reaves, July 28, 2011.

Hunting/Fishing

July 10 – Anglers saw a record season for some species of fish in Sabine Lake.
The Houston Chronicle, Shannon Tompkins, July 10, 2011.

Recreation/Leisure/Athletics

July 2 – West Texas had trouble maintaining their golf courses.
Midland Reporter Telegram, Len Hayward, July 2, 2011.

July 4 – At least three swimmers drowned over the July fourth weekend in North Texas.
KDFW Dallas-Ft. Worth, Alice Wolke, July 4, 2011.

July 8 – Physical training and endurance could improve in the hot weather.
Corpus Christi Caller Times, Alissa Inman, July 8, 2011.

July 16 – Heavy rains washed out the Rangers ballgame in Arlington.
Winnipeg Free Press, July 16, 2011.

July 17 – National Ice Cream Day stood up against the blistering heat of summer.
Plainview Herald, Kevin Lewis, July 17, 2011.

July 18 – Heavy rain went to battle against a rodeo in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Daily Progress, Jay Neal, July 18, 2011.

July 23 – The Houston Zoo has prepared for an exciting, snow-filled summer.
KIAH Houston, July 23, 2011.

July 23 – The Austin Space Day encouraged kids to explore the outer realms.
Austin American Statesman, Patrick Beach, July 23, 2011.

July 24 – Football fields in Lubbock faced their greener days in the past.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, George Watson, July 24, 2011.

July 31 – A Longview journal expressed its concern over the safety of athletes in the summer heat.
Longview News Journal, Jack Stallard, July 31, 2011.

Roads/Traffic/Travel

July 22 – The City of Tyler welcomed the heat because it aided their road enhancement program.
KYTX Tyler/Longview, Michele Reese, July 22, 2011.

July 23 – A 90-year-old woman continued her paper route through all kinds of weather.
Times Record News (Wichita Falls), Ellee Watson, July 23, 2011.

July 26 – The temperatures soared so high that railroad tracks began to warp in North Texas.
The Star Telegram (Fort Worth), Gordon Dickson, July 26, 2011.

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