Burn Bans
Drought
Monthly Change in Drought Monitor Classification
Texas town remains in drought despite record rainfall -- Hartley, Texas is the only town to remain fully under drought conditions. The town has 540 people, and an estimated 4,048 people remain in drought conditions in Texas. This has been the wettest January-June on record for the state of Texas with an average of 23.92” of rainfall. 0.25% is all that remains of the Texas’ drought, and it is all located in Hartley, TX.
KTRK, Staff Writer, July 3, 2015
Drought, then rain, toppling Texas trees -- North Texas has seen a 40% increase in falling trees this year. This is due to the drought that weakened the trees and then the abundance of rain that caused the soils around trees to become oversaturated. The tree is then easily able to fall over and in some cases fall on top of houses.
CBS DFW, Jack Fink, July 6, 2015
Rainy weather likely to continue all year as El Niño builds strength -- El Niño years for the state of Texas are usually linked to above-average rainfall, which we have already seen over the springtime. Experts predict that the state could be in for more rainfall in the fall and winter of this year. The fact that we haven’t had much rain over the summer is actually normal because the effects of El Niño are weakened due to a lesser influence of global patterns.
The Houston Chronicle, Dylan Baddour, July 10, 2015
Texas officially drought-free for first time in 5 years -- For the first time since April 27, 2010, Texas is officially 100% drought free. The last portion of the state in Hartley that was hanging onto a moderate drought was able to get some rain which brought it out of the D-1 drought category. While the drought is officially gone, some locations are keeping water restrictions in effect because they believe the drought is not completely done yet.
KXAN, Staff Writer, July 16, 2015
El Niño may bring more than a little rain this fall -- The forecast models are anticipating that this El Niño could be the strongest that we have seen since 1950. This means that a lot of rain could fall from early autumn through the springtime of next year. This year has already proven to be a record-breaking year for rainfall totals, and it looks as if we are not done yet with big rain events.
The Dallas Morning News, Michael Young, July 17, 2015
Climate watchers declare Texas drought free -- For the first time in over five years, Texas is now drought free. Although it likely will not last for long as Texas is entering a dry spell. On average, July is typically the driest month of the year for the state so this is to be expected. The dry spell is great for farmers as they are finally able to take their time and harvest crops.
Austin American-Statesman, Staff Writer, July 17, 2015
El Niño could mean more flash flooding through next year -- Experts are predicting that we could see another round of heavy rainfall over the fall and into the winter due to a strengthening El Niño. One of the worst floods in Central Texas happened in the December of 1991 during a period of El Niño. This could be a year for the record books with the threat of more rain later in the year.
KVUE, Jared Plushnick, July 19, 2015
Strong El Niño developing: What it means for Texas -- El Niño has already had a big effect on the state of Texas -- drought busting rainfall -- but we are not done feeling the effects of it yet. We are experiencing one of the strongest El Niño’s since the 1950s, which means that we will likely have more big rainfall events later on in the year. El Niño is also associated with cooler than normal temperatures in the wintertime for majority of Texas.
The Houston Chronicle, Eric Berger, July 24, 2015
Drought over for most of Texas, according to Brazos River Authority -- The drought that began back in 2010 has now been deemed to be over according to the Brazos River Authority. The Authority had to have more than 50 consecutive days of water releases from reservoirs due to the abundance of rainfall received over the springtime. A big change from August of 2011 when burn bans were in effect for all but 3 counties in the state.
Temple Daily Telegram, Deborah McKeon, July 25, 2015
Water Supply
Despite rains, lake releases limit upheld -- An emergency order was put into place Wednesday that extended the limits on downstream releases from Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan. This was limit cut off the water from rice farmers for the interest of the Gulf Coast, Pierce Ranch and Lakeside through October 15, and possibly an additional 60 days. The river authority noted there are customers downstream, who have been without water from the lakes for the past four years.
Texas Tribune, Tyler Whitson, July 2, 2015
Austin water restrictions will remain in effect -- Even though Austin has seen a lot of rainfall over the previous months, the stage 2 water restrictions remain in place. Residents can only water their lawns once a week. Officials believe that even though there is an abundance of water now, they still need to conserve as water will be a problem in the future.
KVUE, Lynae Miyer, July 6, 2015
Flood Warning issued for San Saba County, rain runoff will head to Lake Buchanan -- With heavy rain falling in San Saba County, officials expect the rain to make its way towards Lake Buchanan over the next couple of days. Lake levels are expected to jump from 52% full to 67% full once the rain runoff reaches. The National Weather Service is also forecasting minor flooding for the Colorado River which will rise slightly above its flood stage.
KXAN, Calily Bien, July 8, 2015
New Braunfels re-imposes water rationing -- Without some rainfall soon, New Braunfels looks to reinstate water restrictions for its residents. Stage 1 restrictions would limit watering to only one day a week and outlaw fountains and waterfalls. The trigger for the restrictions was the Edwards Aquifer being 2 feet below the threshold.
WOAI, Staff Writer, July 27, 2015
Agriculture
High rainfall hits shrimp, shellfish harvesters in Texas -- Currently fishermen are suffering from high mortality, low landings and low prices. The increased rainfall activity isn’t good for the harvesting of seafood. Brown Shrimp that is normally abundant in the Gulf of Mexico is forecasted to have well below average numbers due to a high mortality rate.
Intrafish, Staff Writer, July 1, 2015
Texas vineyards impacted by a month of rain -- Vineyards have been negatively impacted from the current weather conditions including rain, cool temperatures, and clouds. The weather conditions cause problems, because they are the best environment for molds, and fungus. Extra soaked fields have even kept tractors from being able to spread sulfur compounds to fight common fungal diseases.
Your Houston News, Ron Saikowski, July 1, 2015
Texas crop, weather for July 7, 2015 -- A benefit to more rain is a decrease in the number of grasshoppers. This is because they end up dying from fungal diseases, and there were less grasshoppers this year than in previous years. While many crops received a relief from grasshoppers due to additional rain, the Panhandle was drier, and thus received more grasshoppers in the croplands, which required pesticides.
AgriLife Today, Robert Burns, July 7, 2015
Texas Peach Crop peachy despite heavy spring rains -- The peach crops in the state are still doing well despite the abundance of rainfall received over the past few months. They are still expected to have a good harvest and the peaches will taste as sweet as ever since they had plenty of water to work with.
KWTX, Staff Writer, July 9, 2015
Weather linked to surge of chiggers -- After the recent rainfall, chiggers have become a big issue across the state. Chiggers are an annual pest that thrive in warm temperatures and tall grass. They typically feed of reptiles and small animals, but they also bite humans. With even more of them out there, it makes working outdoors even harder due to the increased risk getting bitten.
Temple Daily Telegram, Rachel Fritz, July 11, 2015
Texas state cotton acreage down considerably from spring estimates -- A large portion of cotton will not be planted due to low prices as well as excessive rainfall making the soil oversaturated. In the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend area, more than 300,000 acres of cotton were not able to be planted. Now that the weather has been drying out, it has allowed for some locations such as the northern Rolling Plains to harvest their cotton crops.
High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, Robert Burns, July 13, 2015
Record rain could affect Texas shrimp, oyster harvesting -- The abundance of rain that fell over the springtime looks as if it will have a big effect on seafood harvesters. Shrimp and Oysters are coming in at a lower rate than normal, and experts believe it is an effect of the record breaking rainfall.
KWTX, Staff Writer, July 14, 2015
Texas crop, weather for July 14, 2015 -- Rain was likely to cease for the remainder of July, and the whole second half of July was expected to be very warm according to Dr. Nielsen-Gammon, Texas State Climatologist. Most of the producers are welcoming this drier weather because it allows them to use their equipment to put out herbicide and fertilizer without their heavy duty equipment getting stuck in the mud. According to Dr. Nielsen-Gammon, the reason for this weather is a high pressure system over Mexico pushes the weather disturbances away and keeps warm air aloft, which prevents thunderstorms from forming.
AgriLife Today, Robert Burns, July 15, 2015
Texas coastal vineyards harvest Blanc Du Bois grapes from failure -- Several Blanc Du Bois vineyards were hit hard with the heavy rains, but it turned out to be a good thing for some of them. 5.4 tons of Blanc du Bois were able to be harvested from the grapes that were grown in the vineyard, which is much better than workers were expecting.
Your Houston News, Ron Saikowski, July 16, 2015
Spring rain linked to grasshopper invasion in Texas Panhandle -- Rainfall in the springtime has not only caused problems with planting crops, but it has also caused issues with an abundance of grasshoppers. More than the average amount of grasshoppers are out in the Panhandle and experts believe the damp and taller grass brought about from the rainfall are the reason why.
KWTX, Staff Writer, July 18, 2015
Texas crop, weather for July 21, 2015 -- Central Texas crops, livestock, cattle, rangeland, and pastures were in good conditions. The Coastal Bend was experiencing drops in the soil moisture, and the week consisted of hot, dry and windy weather. Some crops needed more moisture, and the cattle remained in good condition. East Texas saw record breaking yields of watermelon, while tomatoes suffered from drier conditions. Overall crops were doing well, with the exception of the presence of the Bermuda grass stem maggot, which may cause problems later on. Cattle overall were thriving, and in great condition. Livestock were the same, except for an area in Southwest Texas, which was suffering from the stomach worms.
AgriLife Today, Robert Burns, July 21, 2015
Texas crop, weather for July 28, 2015 -- A large portion of Texas is expected to have a rain-drenched winter due to the super-strong El Niño according to Dr. Nielsen-Gammon, Texas State Climatologist. There is no relief expected in the summer from the hot dry conditions much of Texas has experienced for the past month and a half, but the winter is expected to be wetter than normal. Crops across the state fared well, although some crops including cotton, could have used more moisture. Cattle and livestock remained in fair to excellent condition.
AgriLife Today, Robert Burns, July 28, 2015
Wildfires
Summer grass fires keeping ETX firefighters busy -- A somewhat big change from last year is the decrease in grass fires in East Texas. Last year there were 54 grass fires in the month of May. This year there were only 14 grass fires. The saturated grounds are keeping the fields healthier and less susceptible to burning, which is good news for firefighters.
KYTX, Michael Aaron, July 23, 2015
Wet spring may lead to active fire season -- The wet weather that Texas had in the springtime is actually a bad thing as it increases the probability of grassfires and wildfires. An official from the Texas A&M Forest Service says that this year is shaping up to look like 2011, which was the most devastating wildfire season in the history of Texas. The main concern for these fires is that smoke can cause low visibility on roadways. Which can lead to dangerous accidents.
KXXV, Kristianna Gross, July 27, 2015
Inclement Weather
Heat
Hottest temperatures this year expected in North Texas -- The summer heat is quickly coming into effect as North Texas is expected to see the hottest temperatures of the year. Triple digit heat looks incredibly possible for most locations, and the heat index could reach as high as 106 degrees. A snow cone contractor reported that business is booming due to the hot temperatures and he’s selling 200 more snow cones than usual.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Domingo Ramirez Jr., July 12, 2015
Dangerous temperatures expected throughout week -- Temperatures in East Texas are predicted to reach near dangerous numbers as they rise into the mid to upper 90s. The real threat is the heat index, which is what your skin feels. It’s expected to feel as hot as 110 degrees. The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for several East Texas counties for this reason as it will be dangerous to be outside for a long period of time in these temperatures.
KLTV, Cedric Haynes, July 13, 2015
Heat advisory issued for part of East Texas -- A Heat Advisory was issued for portions of East Texas due to dangerous values of Heat Index in the afternoon hours. The National Weather Service anticipated that heat index values could reach as high as 110 degrees. They strongly urged that people stay indoors during the hottest portion of the day.
Longview News Journal, Staff Writer, July 14, 2015
Central Texas residents cope rising temperatures -- Meteorologists are forecasting that Austin could reach 100 degrees for the first time in 2015. They are urging that people that need to be outdoors that they drink plenty of water and take breaks from the heat. The Austin Fire Department said that they make sure that the firefighters have a lot of water, snacks, and electrolytes.
KVUE, Brandon Jones, July 15, 2015
Hot summer days to hover near 100 this week -- Hot temperatures are expected in the Killeen area where they will approach the triple digit mark. Heat index values over the next few days could reach as high as 105 degrees. Killeen has yet to hit 100 degrees yet, but it looks as if the day it does is not far off.
Killeen Daily Herald, Rachael Riley, July 19, 2015
Just plain hot out -- Nothing new for everyone living in Texas, the heat is intense and it’s here to stay. The bad news about it is the hottest part of the year is typically at the end of August, so we may see even hotter temperatures. A lot of locations have reached the triple digit mark, including some cities near Corpus Christi.
KRIS, Maclovio Perez, July 22, 2015
Very hot this weekend, heat advisories likely -- Temperatures in Houston are heating up quickly as they get closer to the 100 degree mark. With high pressure moving in, drier air will be accompanied along with it. This means that temperatures could reach the triple digits for the first time in over 600 days.
The Houston Chronicle, Eric Berger, July 24, 2015
Dallas-Fort Worth has first official 100-degree day -- For the first time since September of last year, DFW has hit the triple digits. This was the latest date that the temperatures reached 100 degrees in the past eight years. The record latest is August 23 set back in 1989. This likely means that the record back in 2011 won’t be broken where the Metroplex saw 71 days above 100 degrees.
WFAA, Staff Writer, July 26, 2015
Wichita Falls finally hits 100 degrees -- For the first time this summer, Wichita Falls has finally made it into the triple digits. The city made it to 100 degrees relatively late in the summertime. With more dry air moving into the state, triple digits could be a common high temperature for a couple of weeks.
Times Record News, Lynn Walker, July 27, 2015
Extreme weather on tap for NE Texas -- Dangerously hot temperatures has caused the National Weather Service to issue a hazardous weather outlook for residents in Northeast Texas. Heat index values are expected to exceed 105 degrees which is very dangerous to be outdoors in. Heat exhaustion and heat strokes are a major concern for those that are exposed to the heat for prolonged periods of time.
The Daily Tribune, Jordan Moss, July 28, 2015
The streak ends, Houston hits 100 degrees for the first time in nearly two years -- For the first time since September 3, 2013, Houston has officially hit 100 degrees. That’s 692 days without triple digit temperatures. The city hasn’t gone this long without a day in the triple digits since back in the 1990s. Drier is moving in, which means Houston will be near or above the 100-degree mark for the foreseeable future.
The Houston Chronicle, Eric Berger, July 28, 2015
Burn bans popping up as Texas dries out -- Texas is drying up rapidly after the drought ended, due to lack of rain for about three weeks for most of the state. The dryness from the grass was fast approaching burn ban levels, which caused Walker County to join the 27 other counties already experiencing a burn ban.
KTRK, Travis Herzog, July 29, 2015
Extreme heat could ruin your car -- Something that a lot of people don’t think about is the damage that could happen to your car by it sitting out in the Texas heat. The battery can overheat and sulfate which would wear it out when it is hot for a long period of time. Automotive specialists urge people to park their cars in a garage or cover them if possible to avoid damages.
KTRE, Alex Osiadacz, July 30, 2015
Burn Ban posted for Houston, Leon, and Walker Counties -- Burn bans are popping up all across the state due to the dry and hot conditions that have stuck around for a while. Leon, Houston, and Walker Counties have been added to this list. Officials from Brazos County says that a burn ban could be issued within a week.
KBTX, Rusty Surette, July 30, 2015
High summer heat leads to conservation calls -- The summer heat has caused a lot of issues across the state, and now it has lead the Brownsville Public Utilities Board to ask customers to conserve electricity. Between 3 and 7 p.m., people are asked to reduce their electrical usage. Officials are surprised that this is not being done statewide to avoid rolling blackouts.
The Brownsville Herald, Dominic Hernandez, July 31, 2015
Ellis Co. issues season’s first burn ban in North Texas -- The first burn ban for Northeast Texas has been put into effect for Ellis County. The county typically bans controlled burns when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index reaches 500 out of 800, and it is now at 560 and continuing to rise. In the last two weeks, Ellis County has had 18 grass fires.
WFAA, Monica Hernandez, July 31, 2015
Severe Weather
5 Additional Texas Counties Applicable for Federal Disaster Assistance -- Flooding, straight line winds, severe storms and tornadoes occurred in Texas over the past few months, and this called for Bowie, Brazoria, Cherokee, Ellis and Harrison county to join 31 already designated for individual assistance.
CBSDFW, Staff Writer, July 2, 2015
Fast storm causes damage in Vernon -- A fast moving storm moved through the city of Vernon and brought along with it some very high winds. There were numerous reports of roof damage, and downed power lines and trees. About an inch of rainfall was recorded as a result of the storm. The city was still able to hold the fireworks celebration for the 4th of July.
Times Record News, Linda Stewart, July 4, 2015
Amarillo area gets yearly total for rainfall in July -- A big change from the previous years in the Panhandle is getting their yearly average rainfall total within 7 months of the year. With the incoming threat of flooding in Amarillo, 19.8 inches of rain was reached which is the yearly total. It won’t take much for flooding to occur since the soil is already saturated with the recent rainfall.
KVII, Nathalie Granada, July 6, 2015
Abilene's 8+ inches highest daily rainfall total ever recorded -- A record has been broken in Abilene for the highest daily rainfall total ever recorded. 8.23 inches of rain fell at Abilene Regional Airport as of 11 p.m. This breaks the previous record of 6.54 inches which was set back on May 11, 1928.
KTXS, Mark Rowlett, July 7, 2015
Parts of North Texas see 4 inches in 24 hours; Abilene gets 8 inches -- While Abilene had a record breaking day of rainfall having received over 8 inches of rain in a day, some portions of North Texas saw as much 4 inches of rainfall. Bowie and Graham both received 3-4 inches of rain.
KERA News, Staff Writer, July 8, 2015
North Texas makes history with the wettest year to date -- Yesterday’s rainfall made it official that this year would be the wettest year on record for North Texas. The yearly rainfall average is 36.14 inches of rain and the rainfall as of today stands at 36.50 inches. Meteorologists say that since this is an El Niño year, there could be even more rain later in the year.
CBS DFW, Staff Writer, July 9, 2015
Lubbock rainfall a foot over average for this time of year -- A big change from a year ago, Lubbock’s rainfall total is now over a foot more than the average yearly rainfall total. Keep in mind that this isn’t halfway through the seventh month of the year. Lubbock averages only 10.03 inches of rain per year, and the current rainfall total stands at 22.04 inches.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Sarah Rafique, July 12, 2015
4 Texas counties added to federal disaster declaration -- The counties of Hood, Madison, Shelby, and Wharton have been added to the federal disaster declaration so that they may begin to get some federal aid from the severe weather that occurred in May. These were the hardest hit counties by the tornadoes, damaging winds, and flooding.
CBS DFW, Staff Writer, July 18, 2015
Heavy rains bring flooding to parts of West Texas -- Rainfall brought about flooding in both Amarillo and El Paso. Several roadways were closed in Amarillo due to high water flooding the roads and there were even some high-water rescues. Up to three inches of rain fell in a short amount of time in both cities.
The Houston Chronicle, Staff Writer, July 21, 2015
Weather disaster recovery center open this week in Cherokee County -- In response to help all of those affected by the severe weather in the springtime, a weather disaster recovery center has opened in Cherokee County. The purpose of the center is to help victims meet with representatives from FEMA so that they may get aid easier and quicker.
Tyler Morning Telegraph, Jo Anne Embleton, July 22, 2015
Texas rain, floods dampen Pool Corp. second quarter growth -- As the rainfall totals were rising in the springtime, the demand for pools decreased as mother nature made some of her own. Pool Corp reported that there was a decline in sales in Texas during the springtime. Officials from the company believe that is directly correlated to the record-breaking rainfall.
The Times-Picayune, Jennifer Larino, July 23, 2015
Scattered storms return -- After an abundance of hot weather, a chance of rain coming back into the forecast is big news. Abilene finally has a chance of showers and thunderstorms which will help alleviate some from the hot temperatures. Once the rain moves out, the temperatures will be back into the mid to upper 90s.
KTXS, Anthony Domol, July 29, 2015
El Paso gets hammered by overnight storms -- One part of Texas is getting in on some rainfall. El Paso saw an abundance of rainfall which prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood advisory. There were numerous reports of flash flooding on roadways which included an accident involving an 18-wheeler on I-10 at Pisano Avenue.
KFOX, Luvvenia Hawkins, July 30, 2015
Other Climate Impacts
Roads/Traffic/Travel
Weather causes rollover accident on Highway 77 -- A car hydroplaned due to the road being wet, and things escalated when it flipped multiple times and ended up on the opposite side of the highway once it stopped. In this event, two people were injured and hospitalized with minor injuries.
KIII, Staff Writer, July 1, 2015
Multiple roads are closed or in hazardous conditions -- In the Lubbock area, FM 835 at Buffalo Springs Lake has been closed due to flooding. US 87 from FM 1317 to Tahoka is also closed due to flooding. There are also reports of water covering lanes on US 84 but that road has not yet been closed, but officials are telling drivers to exercise caution.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Jordan Sigler, July 7, 2015
34 water rescues reported across Abilene -- High water on roadways caused several drivers to get stuck in their cars during the early morning hours in Abilene. The fire department responded to 34 water rescues within 3 hours. Officials are urging people to “turn around, don’t drown” and to stay off the roadways until the floodwaters recede.
KTXS, Hayden Nix, July 7, 2015
Recreation/Leisure/Athletics
Extreme weather takes a toll on Texas parks -- The recent flooding in Texas caused more harm to state parks than the drought. The wildlife struggled the most during the drought. So far, the flooding has cost about $2.3 million dollars in revenue. More than two dozen parks are closed and have been partially or completely closed due to these costs. The Texas State Parks are receiving $113 million to repairs and construction.
KTBS, Julie Parr, July 2, 2015
Less than ideal lake conditions for holiday weekend start -- The past drought conditions have kept people off the lakes, and now that the lakes are higher, many people were planning on going to the lakes. The weather planned for this week, though had choppy waters in store for the holiday weekend. Also, the higher lake levels also posed threats of old tree stumps and debris are better hidden, so life jackets were definitely advised.
WFAA, Carla Wade, July 3, 2015
Centipede sighting increase in Texas -- The saturation from more rain makes a big differences for many animals, like tadpoles, centipedes, and roaches according to insect’s expert Jacob Galvan. Be careful around the centipedes, because they can pierce your skin with sharp mandibles and inject venom.
KSAT, Ursula Pari, July 3, 2015
As weather warms, keep watch on children around water -- With the heat of the summer coming into full swing, there will be an increase of activity around water to cool down. This is when it is important to remember to keep an eye on children near water. 36 children have drowned already this year, and experts are worried that there will be more due to lake levels being much higher than previous years.
Austin American-Statesman, Andy Sevilla, July 4, 2015
Weather’s effects on celebrations -- Some locations are having firework celebrations for the first time in a while thanks to the recent rainfall. Usually there would be numerous burn bans in the area, so fireworks were never an option for personal enjoyment. Public celebrations still had firework displays but it was in a controlled area. However thanks to the rain, the grass is greener and the sky is finally able to be lit up with fireworks all across the Panhandle.
KAMR, Staff Writer, July 5, 2015
Chihuahua’s game canceled due to inclement weather -- The baseball game between the El Paso Chihuahuas and the Albuquerque Isotopes had to be canceled due to inclement weather. Thunderstorms were the cause of the cancellation. The game was rescheduled for the next day.
KFOX, Jessica Gonzalez, July 10, 2015
It’s great weather for the Solar Car Challenge in Fort Worth -- The Solar Car Challenge is an annual event, where high school teams compete to build the best solar-powered car. Their goal is to go the longest without needing to get another charge, and speed is not a factor. So, while most of Fort Worth was lamenting the triple digit heat, these high schoolers were welcoming it, as it helped their cars run longer.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram, Gordon Dickson, July 20, 2015
High winds postpone first day of balloon races over East Texas -- Everyone knows that high winds and hot air balloons don’t mix. It wasn’t a surprise to see a postponement for the first day of the U.S. National Championship balloon races in Longview due to winds in excess of 30 knots. The competition is expected to be on schedule for tomorrow though as winds are forecasted to be lighter.
KLTV, Alex Osiadacz, July 21, 2015
Weather radar detects swarm of bugs over Texas -- The Norman, Oklahoma radar located at the National Weather Service, was detecting what would normally be clouds, but there were no clouds in the sky at the time. In fact, the radar was picking up many bugs, beetles, flies and grasshoppers in the area that were anywhere from the ground to 2,500 feet up, within a 50 mile area. It was not in large enough proportions for people to be able to see a swarm above them, but there were enough for the radar to pick it up.
CNN, Wyatt Massey, July 23, 2015
Weather cooperates for second night of fair -- The Texas County Fair held in the Houston area got off to a wet start yesterday, but the second night was much better. The weather had cut the motorcycle stunts short and moved the concerts indoors. No rain fell on the second day though, and attendance was much higher with the drier conditions.
Houston Herald, Jeff McNeil, July 24, 2015
Hampered by delays, balloonists finally get off the ground -- After a postponement due to high winds, the balloon races were finally able to get underway. There was a big sigh of relief for all of those involved as it almost looked as if the balloons were never going to be able to fly. The winds died down going into the weekend, and allowed for the festivities to continue.
KLTV, Bob Hallmark, July 25, 2015
