Burn Bans/Fire

Mathis FD battling brush fire near Lake Corpus Christi--
Firefighters with the Mathis Fire Departments are battling a brush fire near Lake Corpus Christi. There is no word yet on what started the fire, but dry grass from low precipitation has helped fuel the flames.
KRIS TV, Eddie Cruz, July 4, 2017

Grass fires keep Central Texas fire crews busy--
Brush fires across a very hot Central Texas and Bastrop kept fire crews busy battling the blazes.On Wednesday, crews in Bastrop County worked to control three different fires within a mile of each other. STAR Flight was called in to help control fires east of the Travis County Line.There is currently a burn ban in Travis and Bastrop Counties.
TWC News, Jeff Stensland, July 5, 2017

Grassfire Under Control --
Amarillo fire crews have contained a large grassfire on Airport Boulevard. The fire went on for about three hours and high winds about 15 to 20 mph made it difficult to control the flames. Preliminary reports show the fire burned about 50 to 100 acres.
KFDA, Kaitlin Johnson, July 13, 2017

Drought

Monthly Change in Drought Monitor Classification

Drought conditions taking hold in South Texas, chance for rain Sunday--
After days without rain, drought conditions are beginning to take hold across parts of South Texas, with New Braunfels Utility users nor under Stage 1 water restrictions. The Edwards Aquifer Authority may issue Stage 1 pumping restrictions as early as Wednesday. Although San Antonio has not placed any drought restrictions so far, the water restrictions may become a reality if drought continues. High temperatures today will near 100 degrees along with sunny skies. The next storm chances will occur Sunday into next week.
KSAT, Justin Horne, July 11, 2017

As dry weather returns, SAWS declares once-a-week watering restrictions --
After two years of abundant rain, the dry weather  is here again, and the residents of San Antonio have been told to reduce their outdoor water usage. The springs at the Blue Hole, part of the headwaters of the San Antonio River hear the UIW campus, have stopped flowing. The level of the J-17 well that monitors the aquifer below San Antonio dropped to 659.9 feet above mean sea level. The springs at the Blue Hole stop running when the aquifer reaches between 669 and 670 feet above mean sea level.
San Antonio Express-News, Brendan Gibbons, July 13, 2017

Texoma drought free, water board says--
For the first time in more than six months, Texoma is completely drought free according to the Texas Water Development Board. Despite the improvements in North Texas, the report found that about seven percent of the state is currently in a state of drought. Rains in the Panhandle have removed severe drought conditions, but moderate drought conditions persist. Abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions expanded slightly in Central Texas, although weekend rains may improve conditions in time for the next report.
Herald Democrat, Michael Hutchins, July 19, 2017

Patches of Central Texas slip into severe drought as heat drags on--
The hot summer has put parts of Central Texas into severe drought for the first time since October 2015. Three months ago, none of the region was experiencing drought, but as Central Texas heat continued for most of July, much of the region has slipped into abnormally dry conditions or moderate drought. Severe drought is characterized by water shortages and loss or crops or pasture, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Austin American-Statesman, Marty Toohey, July 27, 2017

Agriculture/Livestock

Texas Crop and Weather Report --
Waves of pea to golf ball size hail storms across the High Plains and South Plains damaged many acres of crops ranging from mature wheat awaiting harvest to growing fields of cotton, corn, sorghum, and others. The biggest loss from the storms has been cotton, which may suffer significant yield losses due to damage.
AgriLife Today, Kay Ledbetter, July 6, 2017

Mild winter weather affected peach crops in parts of Texas --
The mild Texas winter has hampered this year’s peach crops in parts of the state. The North Texas harvest appears to be bountiful, but growers in some other areas of the state faced challenges. Because peach trees require a certain number of chill hours to grow and develop properly, orchards farther south and east had issues.
Times Record News, Staff Writer, July 10, 2017

Texas Crop and Weather Report --
Scattered showers and thunderstorms were widespread across Central Texas. Pastures were in good condition and crops looked fantastic. In the Rolling Plains, conditions were unfavorable for cotton farmers as storms produced high winds and hail that destroyed young cotton plants in several counties. The Coastal bend had plenty of hot and dry conditions, causing crops to mature rapidly. Some areas reported isolated showers, which delayed fields from being harvested. In the east, many counties received small amounts of rainfall, and most pastures and range conditions were good.Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels in the north ranged from adequate to surplus, and crops and pastures looked very good.
AgriLife Today, Steve Byrns, July 11, 2017

Texas Crop and Weather Report --
The Rolling Plains saw hot and dry conditions with some isolated pockets of rain. Pastures were starting to turn yellow due to heat and lack of moisture. The Coastal Bend saw hot and humid weather with very little rain reported. Cattle remained in good condition, and harvests continued. Spotty afternoon showers and thunderstorms brought needed rain to East Texas. Pasture and rangeland conditions were mostly good, with Rusk, Marion, and Gregg Counties reporting excellent conditions. The South Plains were dry and warm with temperatures below 100 degrees. Widely scattered showers were received in some areas, but not enough to turn around the crop yield. Pastures and rangelands were green and in fair to good condition.
AgriLife Today, Adam Russell, July 18, 2017

Colorful Turk’s Cap is good for attracting wildlife--
Turk’s Cap is classified as a shrub and is a Texas native finding its roots on the Edward’s Plateau. THe plant is quite adaptable, as it is drought tolerant and will grow in full sun or full shade. Turk’s Cap may need more irrigation when planted in the sun, but it will thrive in clay, alkaline, acid, sandy, wet, or dry soil, covering all of Texas soils. In a harsh winter, the plant will die back but will sprout new growth quickly once the weather warms.
Temple Daily Telegram, Pat Johnson, July 20, 2017

The next big idea in the fight against climate change--
Researchers from Rice University claim that the ranching and farming communities of Texas and the United States represent the solution to a major piece of the carbon dioxide puzzle. By paying farmers and ranchers to use their land to store carbon emissions, we provide the agricultural economy a new revenue stream and help our region respond to the challenges of climate change and hydrocarbon emissions. At this time, research indicated that while there is a significant amount of soil storage capacity, it is not enough to support all existing carbon dioxide emissions.
The Houston Chronicle, Jim Blackburn, July 22, 2017

Texas Crop and Weather Report--
Central Texas temperatures reached the 100 degree mark on some occasions and the heat has taken the moisture away. Grasses were in fair shape, but beginning to show signs of heat stress. In the Rolling Plains, summer weather arrived and pasture and cotton conditions had the most change throughout the week as the dry and hot weather moved in. High temperatures in the Coastal Bend caused moisture to dry up quickly. These conditions allowed most producers to get into fields for harvest, so grain sorghum and corn harvest was nearly complete. Soil conditions remained mostly hot and dry throughout East Texas, and pasture and range conditions were fair to good in most counties.
AgriLife Today, Adam Russell, July 25, 2017

Significant Weather

Rainfall/Flooding

Severe Storms, Flooding Rain in the Plains Over the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend --
Severe storms moved through northeast Texas early Monday morning, July 3. A band of heavy rain stalled over the area, and some high-water rescues were reported, and a few major roads were closed in Paris, Texas.
The Weather Channel, Linda Lam, July 3, 2017

Flash flooding strands homeowners in north Fort Worth--
Flash flooding in northern parts of Fort Worth stranded residents inside their homes and sent at least one person to the hospital. Multiple homes, cars, and lawns were flooded due to the quick, heavy downpours. The Fort Worth Fire Department deployed its Swift Water Rescue Team, and crews went from door to door to make sure everyone was safe.
KTVT, Jeff Paul, July 5, 2017

Storms Bring Flooding, Strong Winds to North Texas --
Storms swept through North Texas Wednesday evening, bringing heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and lightning. Lightning is believed to have caused a house fire in Southlake near the Timarron County Club, which caused major damage to the structure. An apartment building also caught fire after a suspected lightning strike. Firefighters responded to a high water rescue call after three young teenagers decided to go tubing in Fossil Creek.
KXAS-TV, Scott Gordon, July 6, 2017

What happened to Texas’ summer heat? Don’t worry: It’s coming next week --
This summer has been unusually wet in North Texas. Since June 1, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport has recorded 11.03 inches of rain, 6.69 inches above normal and nearly half of the 22.89 inches than has fallen at the airport since January 1. Scattered thunderstorms will continue through Sunday, but not everyone will see rain. The surplus rain is due to a high pressure system staying west of Texas, allowing for fronts to come into the state from the north. However, by the end of the week, high temperatures will be back in the upper 90s.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Bill Hanna, July 7, 2017

North Texas storms kill one, flood streets--
One man was killed as a result of heavy rains from a thunderstorm on Sunday in Denton, and street flooding throughout parts of North Texas trapped several vehicles. Firefighters responded to a high-water rescue behind a Wal-Mart where three men had been swept away by flood waters. Two men managed to get out of the flood waters, but a third did not.
WFAA, Robert Cadwallader, July 10, 2017

On this date 30 years ago, the Guadalupe River flooded, killing 10 children--
On Sunday, the National Weather Service commemorated the anniversary of a devastating flood event that occurred 30 years ago when flash flooding swept a school bus off a cliff and killed 10 teenagers at a church camp at the Guadalupe River. During that night, 10-12 inches of rain fell in the Guadalupe River, producing a massive flood wave and a life-threatening situation along the river. At that point, the river rose 29 feet and was two-thirds of a mile wide.
KENS, Staff Writer, July 16, 2017

Don’t cancel Sunday plants but keep an eye on North Texas skies--
Pop up showers will be possible Sunday afternoon in North Texas. Overall coverage will be around 20% to 30%, which means most of North Texas will stay dry. If you see a thunderstorm today, the severe weather threat will be very low. However, any thunderstorms will likely be associated with heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds. The rest of the week will be dry and hot as high pressure moves closer to Texas.
WFAA, Kyle Roberts, July 16, 2017

Drivers in Upper Valley get pulled from flood waters--
Interstate Towing and Recovery pulled at least four cars from flooded roads on Saturday afternoon after heavy rains flooded parts of El Paso. Street flooding caused cars to break down, and one driver was trapped inside his vehicle. According to residents, a specific intersection in the city is suspect for flooding nearly ever severe weather event. Towing companies urge drivers not to drive through flooded or high waters.
KFOX, Kaylee Heck, July 23, 2017

Weather report: Cooler temps, rain in the forecast for S.A. this week--
Residents of San Antonio can expect to get some relief from the heat in the middle of the week as rain chances increase. The National Weather Service warned San Antonio of elevated fire weather conditions for South Central Texas today and Tuesday. The chance for rain increases to 40 percent Wednesday, and low temperatures will drop into the mid 70s.
San Antonio Express-News, JeriLynn Thorpe, July 31, 2017

Lubbock, South Plains under flash flood watch through Tuesday--
Lubbock and much of the South Plains are under a flash flood watch through Tuesday morning as more rain moves through the area. Rainfall totals of two to three inches are expected to occur across parts of the Lubbock region late Sunday into early Monday. Scattered showers will move through the area Wednesday, and a cold front will blow through during the weekend.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Lucinda Holt and Sarah Self-Walbrick, July 31, 2017

Warm Weather

NBC5 Forecast: Hot and Dry for Much of North Texas --
Dry and warm weather dominate the forecast for the rest of the holiday weekend through the 4th of July except for parts of northern North Texas near the Red River, which could see a few more showers and storms this evening. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90s through Independence Day, so staying cool and hydrated is a priority.
The Dallas Morning News, Staff Writer, July 2, 2017

Mid-to-upper 90s and sunny: Typical July Forecast --
June closed with three 100-degree days and a 99-degree day on the last day of the month. A total of 1.67 inches of rain was recorded at Abilene Regional Airport, nearly half of normal for the month. The heat will continue during the beginning of July, with a high of 98 and sunny skies in the forecast.
Abilene Reporter-News, Greg Jaklewicz, July 2, 2017

National Weather Service Issues Heat Advisory --
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for a large area of South Texas for July 4. The counties under advisory include Nueces, San Patricio, Kleberg, Aransas, Jim Wells, and Webb. The combination of warm temperatures and high dewpoints will cause heat indices between 105 and 109 degrees. Residents with outdoor activities planned should remember to stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting and light colored clothing, take indoor breaks, and not leave pets or children alone in enclosed vehicles.
KRIS, Sarah Whetstone, July 4, 2017

Travis, Bastrop counties placed under burn bans amid hot temperatures --
Burn bans prohibiting outdoor burning were issued for Travis and Bastrop counties due to hot temperatures and fire risks. This is the second burn ban this year in Travis County, which has recently experienced an increase in grass fires. The Austin Fire Department reported 67 grass, trash, and associated fires after the fourth of July weekend. Heat and weather conditions are believed to have been a factor in those fires.
Austin American-Statesman, Ali Linan, July 6, 2017

Record-setting heat wave scorching Ventura County --
A heat wave has moved into Ventura County, breaking records and bringing triple-digit temperatures through the weekend. Ojai experienced the highest temperatures in Ventura County, region a high of 108 degrees. Camarillo and Oxnard set records for the date on Friday, reaching a high of 87 degrees, three degrees higher than their previous records set in 2011 and 1992 respectively.
Ventura County Star, Staff and wire reports, July 7, 2017

Weather Talk: A few tips on how to reduce cooling costs --
The next four weeks of summer are typically the hottest of the year for parts of Texas, so air conditioners will be running a lot of the time. Tips to reduce electricity costs in the heat of the summer include setting the thermostat warmer than normal when no one's home, using curtains or blinds to eliminate direct sunlight, and using ceiling fans to move air around and make your room feel more comfortable.
West Fargo Pioneer, John Wheeler, July 9, 2017

Austin weekend weather: warm, humid, gross --
The National Weather Service forecast calls for isolated showers on Saturday followed by scattered showers Sunday through Tuesday in the Austin area. Temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid to upper 90s, creating a muggy atmosphere for the city. On Saturday, the heat index could reach 103 degrees in Austin. Lakes Buchanan and Travis, the regional reservoirs, are now 92 percent full according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. Thursday marked the 13th day of the year, and the ninth day in July, that Austin temperatures reached or exceeded 100 degrees, surpassing the annual average of 12 days.
Austin American-Statesman, Marty Toohey, July 14, 2017

Temperatures in Laredo, rest of Texas continue to rise and Twitter users are having none of it --
Temperatures in Laredo will be as high as 105 degrees through at least the rest of the week. Lows of 78 degrees are predicted for the evenings of this week. Heat advisories are possible this week and the National Weather Service recommends taking precautions for outdoor activities, such as being careful to hydrate and taking frequent breaks indoors.
San Antonio Express-News, JeriLynn Thorpe, July 25, 2017

Hot Texas Weather Puts Heavy Strain on Electric Grid --
Friday is expected to be the hottest day of the summer so far across the Dallas Fort-Worth area, with temperatures reaching a few degrees above the 100 degree mark. Texas nearly broke the record on Thursday afternoon for system wide electricity demand in the month of July. The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). ERCOT wants customers to know that the hours between 3pm and 7pm are most important. To combat heat, ERCOT suggests to use fans to cool yourself and close drapes and curtains to stop direct sunlight from coming in.
KTVT, Brittany Jeffers, July 28, 2017

However you say it, the dog days of summer are here--
San Antonio and the rest of South Texas have been sweating through high temperatures for the past couple of weeks, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees or higher every day since July 20. Average temperatures this July have been 2.8 degrees higher than normal according to the National Weather Service. On Saturday in San Antonio, the high reached 104, one degree higher than the 71 year old record for the day.
San Antonio Express-News, Brendan Gibbons, July 29, 2017

Houston hits 100 for first time in 2017--
For the first time in 2017, daytime temperatures reached over 100 degrees with a heat advisory for most of the Houston area. Houston Hobby airport set a daily record high of 102 degrees, breaking the old record of 100 degrees set on this day in 2015. However, the heat index for today was between 105 and 110 in the afternoon.
The Houston Chronicle, Fernando Ramirez and Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli, July 29, 2017

Weather update: Heat advisory in effect for Austin until 8 pm--
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for 18 Central Texas counties including Travis County until Sunday evening. Areas impacted include Austin, Georgetown, San Marcos, New Braunfels, and Bastrop. Heat index values can reach as high as 112 degrees, placing people at risk of heat stroke. On Sunday, Austin broke its daily heat record with temperatures as high as 106 degrees. Previously, the daily record was set at 104 degrees in 1957.
Austin American-Statesman, Rachel Rice and Mary Huber, July 30, 2017

San Antonio heat a record-breaker for second day in a row--
Despite the short shower over the area, Sunday  went down as the hottest day of the year so far in San Antonio at a high of 105 degrees, one degree higher than the previous record of 104 for this day, which was set in 1960. Temperatures are expected to fall back into the mid 90s by the end of the week with possible showers on the way.
San Antonio Express-News, Jacob Beltran, July 30, 2017

Severe Weather

Maintenance is key to weathering the storm --
Midland is still cleaning up from the severe weather that moved through the area on June 23, including downed power lines, swept-over signs, uprooted trees, and significant roof damage in several parts of town. Local roofing companies have had an influx of business due to the storms and recommend that residents maintain their yards and stay on top of tree health in preparation for upcoming storms.
Midland Reporter-Telegram, Karis Johnson, July 1, 2017

Where and When the Season’s First Atlantic Hurricane Forms --
One of the main hurricane formation regions is in the western Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas. In June, some of the activity in the Gulf comes from decaying cold fronts. In July, cold fronts become less frequent but thunderstorms can linger and lead to tropical cyclone formation.
The Weather Channel, Linda Lam, July 4, 2017

Hailstorms give Texas record pounding in 2016 --
Hailstorms caused $5 billion in insurance losses to residential property last year, breaking the previous record set in 2015 of $1.9 billion, according to the Insurance Council of Texas. Three April hailstorms in San Antonio and Bexar County cost more than $2 billion of last year’s state total. By comparison, insurers paid out an average of more than $850 million a year between 2000 and 2013 for hail damages caused to insured property.
San Antonio Express News, Patrick Danner, July 5, 2017

Bastrop cautions residents to prepare for future severe weather events --
With Hurricane season underway, Bastrop city officials want residents to be weather aware and prepared for heavy rain events. During the Memorial Day weekend storm in 2016, 77 properties were flooded as eight inches of rain fell over a nine hour period. In Bastrop, a 100 year storm is associated with 10 inches of rain in a 24 hour period. Drainage systems in the city are designed to have a more gradual flow in rain accumulation over 24 hours, so high rates of rain can easily flood parts of the city
Austin American-Statesman, Andy Sevilla, July 7, 2017

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for several ETX counties --
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for several East Texas counties, including: Panola, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Houston, and other surrounding counties. Hazards include wind gusts as much as 60 mph and penny to quarter size hail.
KLTV, Staff Writers, July 8, 2017

Severe Storms to Continue Erupting After Taking Deadly turn in Texas --
Flooding in Texas has caused at least one death Sunday. The body of a man was recovered from a pond in Denton after he was swept in during the storms. The severe storms are being triggered by an area of low pressure that will move eastward Tuesday. Damaging winds and large hail are the main threats, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
The Weather Channel, Ada Carr, July 10, 2017

Small Tornado Damages Livingston business --
A small tornado touched down in a pond in Livingston as two boaters were fishing. The tornado damaged homes and a self-storage warehouse. The rest of the Houston area endured heavy rain, thunder, and high winds. At one point, nearly 30,000 CenterPoint Energy customers were without power around the area. Residents reported downed trees and minor street flooding in other parts of the city. In Conroe, a man was injured after he was struck by lightning outside of this home.
KTRK-TV, Deborah Wrigley, July 15, 2017

Tornado warning, flooding advisory issued for Harris County --
Flood advisories were in place for parts of Harris Galveston, Fort Bend, and Brazoria Counties. About 33,500 homes were without power around 5 pm according to CenterPoint Energy, and crews were working to restore power and had reduced the number of outages to 26,800 thirty minutes later. Emergency crews performed several water rescues on Lake Conroe after kayaks capsized Saturday. A 50 percent chance of thunderstorms is predicted for the weekend, and temperatures will peak in the lower 90s.
The Houston Chronicle, Brooke A. Lewis and Bridget Balch, July 15, 2017

Video shows waterspout over La Porte area --
A waterspout over the La Porte area was spotted as storms pounded the east side of the city Monday morning. As of 12 pm, there were no severe weather alerts in effect, but La Porte, Pasadena, Wallisville, and Rosenberg were getting hit by storms. A 60 percent rain chance will continue through the afternoon today and the rain should clear by the evening hours.
KHOU, Staff Writer, July 17, 2017

Where to get free sandbags in El Paso and Las Cruces--
Storms are in the forecast for the Borderland this week, and officials with El Paso Water are reminding people to pick up sandbags before the weather hits. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per visit. El Paso has five different pick up locations and Las Cruces citizens can pick up sandbags at the local fire stations.
KFOX, Nate Barett, July 19, 2017

NWS makes Texas high school the first ‘storm ready’ campus in state--
Timber Creek High School is north Texas was named a ‘Storm Ready School’ by the National Weather Service recently. After the May 2013 tornado in Oklahoma that killed seven elementary school students, the school officials realized they needed to improve their emergency preparedness for severe weather events. Students were moved to a windowless room downstairs, and drills were conducted twice a year to assess the efficiency and success of the protocol.
Campus Safety magazine, Zach Winn, July 21, 2017

Lightning strike ignites attic fire in NW Austin--
As scattered storms moved through parts of Central Texas, lightning struck a fire in the Attic of an Austin home.  The Austin Fire Department  had the fire knocked down in less than 20 minutes.
KXAN, Sydney Pruitt, July 23, 2017

KTAB PM Forecast--
Skies over the Big Country will be mostly clear overnight tonight with mild temperatures dipping down into the mid and lower 70s. On Monday, hot temperatures in the upper 90s will be back, and another round of isolates showers and thunderstorms will be possible through the afternoon. Hazard may include gust winds, lightning, small hail, and heavy rainfall. The rest of the week will remain hot and dry.
KTAB, Grant Tosterud, July 23, 2017

Day 1 of Great Texas Balloon Race: Too Dangerous to Fly --
Balloon pilots and crew hoped the weather would hold off for the Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview, but the first flight of the competition was grounded by high winds. At nearly 30 mph, the strong winds and high wind shear were too dangerous for balloon flying and managers of the competition decided to cancel the first race.
KLTV, Jamey Boyum, July 28, 2017

Other Climate Impacts

Economics/Technology

Study: Texas economy could face chilling effect from climate change --
Researchers from the journal Science found that steadily increasing temperatures will hit create an economic burden for states along the Gulf Coast- including Texas- harder than the colder, northern states that will profit from warmer weather. The study estimates that the US economy will lose about 0.7% GDP per year by 2080 for each degree Fahrenheit rise in global temperatures.
The Houston Chronicle, Blake Paterson, July 1, 2017

Online climate data benefits producers --
A group from the USDA Agricultural Research Station (ARS) has introduced a web-based application to help farmers keep better track of climate conditions. Users can access important historical information about the past climate in their area, which could allow them to better plan for the current year. The data from the application comes from mesonet weather stations around  the Lubbock area. The mesonet sites provide information such as soil temperature, cumulative growing degree days, and cumulative precipitation. It also gives first freeze dates and cumulative freeze hours.
Agronomy Journal, Staff Writer, July 12, 2017

Parts of El Paso get drenched with rain, hurting some local businesses--
Rain soaked parts of western El Paso as well as the Upper and Lower Valley, causing some businesses to worry. On wet weather days like this, the co-owner of Acetuna’s says his bar sees half its normal business. The weather costs local businesses a lot of money that cannot be made back, especially businesses that are mainly outdoors.
KFOX, Meghan Lopez, July 21, 2017

Roads/Traffic/Travel

8 Hurt in 10-Vehicle Wreck During West Texas Dust Storm --
Authorities blame a zero-visibility dust storm for a 10 vehicle pileup in West Texas that left eight people hurt, including one in critical condition near Rankin. The National Weather Service reports gusts topped 40 mph during scattered storms. Dirt from recently plowed field blew across the highway, decreasing visibility.
U.S. News & World Report, Staff Writer, July 17, 2017

Travis Herzog explains how dust from Africa can impact your health in Houston --
A large cloud of dust moving in from Africa’s Sahara Desert is blowing hot, dry, and hazy air over Houston Monday. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) says this is a fairly intense African dust cloud, and it could be harmful to your health. Most of the fine dust particles are suspended thousands of feet above ground, creating a hazy gray sky that may impact roadway visibilities. However, some of the microscopic dust, known as particulate matter, can reach the ground and cause respiratory issues for sensitive individuals with asthma, allergies, and other lung conditions.
KTRK-TV, Staff Writer, July 24, 2017

5 Things to know about the African dust over Texas --
Houstonians have been seeing hazy skies thanks to a large African dust cloud blown from the Sahara Desert in North Africa. African dust clouds reach Texas a couple times each summer. Only a small portion of the dust makes it to the surface, causing lower air quality and lower visibilities on roads. The dust should start dissipating by Thursday, though changing atmospheric conditions could make the dust visible.
Austin-American Statesman, Marty Toohey, July 26, 2017

Recreation/Leisure/Athletics

Before the storm: Boating and Floating or the Fourth at Buffalo Springs Lake --
Thousands of Independence Day celebrators at Buffalo Springs Lake were cut off early when heavy storms flooded festivities Monday evening. Organizers in Lubbock were forced to cancel planned activities for the holiday weekend Broadway Texas Country Freedom concert on the courthouse lawn. However, Tuesday’s events are set to continue as planned.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Sarah Self-Walbrick, July 3, 2017

Recap: Rangers survive rain delay, beat Red Sox to avoid sweep --
Dark rain-filled clouds sat over the Globe Life Park prior to the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox game. The thunderstorms caused a delay of nearly 90 minutes to start the game, but the Rangers ended the longest winning streak in the majors at six games with a rain-delayed 8-2 victory.
The Dallas Morning News, SportsDay DFW, July 5, 2017

Hunting/Fishing

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries Division has recently released around 90 male and female large-mouth bass into the Buffalo Creek Reservoir. These “super fish” were initially kept and bred in Athens, Texas at the ShareLunker program to better understand their genetics and gather other important data. Once drought conditions subsided after rains brought for more vegetation, the Fisheries Division released the fish hoping they will populate and also be caught by fishers to further replenish the lake.
Times Record News, Claire Kowalick, June 8, 2017

Watch: Thousands of dead fish are washing up on the shore in Texas-- Fisherman along the Texas coast are arriving to see mile-long stretches of dead fish along some Texas shores. A large number of the dead fish are menhaden, but also include larger fish such as flounders. Some marine biologists are correlating these fish deaths to rapid algal bloom growth sinking to the bottom of coastal bodies of water and restricting circulation, therefore deoxygenating the water.
Shropshire Star, Staff Writer, June 12, 2017