Burn Bans
June 4, 2011 – A Guadalupe County Judge issued an emergency declaration and enforced a strict burn ban.
Seguin Gazette, Felicia Frazar, June 4, 2011.
June 16, 2011 – The burn ban in Nueces County has been extended for 90 days.
Corpus Christi Caller Times, Mary Ann Cavazos, June 16, 2011.
June 19, 2011 – Despite the threat of wildfires, fireworks are allowed for sale in El Paso.
KFOX El Paso, Martina Valverde, June 19, 2011.
June 23, 2011 – Smith County was able to avoid a burn ban after rainfall gave them just what they need.
KYTX Tyler/Longview, Tim Monzingo, June 23, 2011.
Drought
Monthly Change in Drought Monitor Classification
June 2, 2011 – A trace of rain ended a 118-day record of days without precipitation in El Paso.
El Paso Times, Daniel Borunda, June 2, 2011.
June 4, 2011 – Long-term forecasters officially declared that La Nina is over, but the expected summer weather is likely to increase the severity of drought conditions.
San Angelo Standard Times, Jerry Lackey, June 4, 2011.
June 6, 2011 – Governor Perry called for a “Day of Prayer and Fasting” in August to pray for rain and to end this historic drought.
Star Telegram (Fort Worth), Aman Batheja, June 6, 2011.
June 8, 2011 – Officials stated that the current ongoing drought is the third-worst in Texas history.
San Antonio Express News, William Pack, June 8, 2011.
Fires
June 2, 2011 – Fireworks became a very real issue in Amarillo as a result of the latest drought and numerous wildfires.
KFDA Amarillo, June 2, 2011.
June 3, 2011 – High winds, a major factor in the latest severe weather outbreak, has also greatly fueled the explosion of wildfires in West Texas.
KWES Midland/Odessa, Kristen Lowe, June 3, 2011.
June 5, 2011 – Large wildfires burned over 2000 acres in Hardin County alone.
KFDM, Scott Lawrence, June 5, 2011.
June 7, 2011 – Thunderstorms brought rain to help dampen the blazing fires in Southeast Texas.
Beaumont Enterprise, Jessica Lipscomb, June 7, 2011.
June 12, 2011 – Residents and officials in the Panhandle used the charred trees from the wildfires to their advantage.
Amarillo Globe News, Yann Ranaivo, June 12, 2011.
June 25, 2011 – Wildfire dangers recently reached even the most unlikely of places in Texas.
The Houston Chronicle, June 25, 2011.
June 30, 2011 – An Ellis County Judge declared a state of disaster.
Ennis Daily News, June 30, 2011.
Water Supply
June 2, 2011 – Lubbock is looking at potential water restrictions as an ongoing lack of precipitation continues.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Elliott Blackburn, June 2, 2011.
June 3, 2011 – Dumas residents pursued a voluntary water restriction as they hope for rain.
KFDA Amarillo, June 3, 2011.
June 11, 2011 – Residents of Gonzalez County were taught how to harvest rainwater in preparation for the next set of storms to roll through.
The Gonzales Inquirer, June 11, 2011.
June 12, 2011 – The Colorado River Municipal Water District believes it has learned valuable lessons when it comes to water conservation.
Midland Reporter Telegram, June 12, 2011.
June 13, 2011 – Concerns have arisen in Matagorda County over massive water consumption by thermoelectric power plants.
The Houston Chronicle, Matthew Tresaugue, June 13, 2011.
June 19, 2011 – Central Texas faces a very real threat of dwindling lakes and rivers this summer.
The Texas Tribune, Kate Galbraith, June 19, 2011.
June 25, 2011 – Local authorities in Galveston County have been forced to enforce the current water restrictions.
Galveston Daily News, Chris Paschenko, June 25, 2011.
Agricultural Impacts
June 1, 2011 – Officials expressed concerns about the drought creating desperate measures for farmers and cattlemen.
Seguin Gazette, Bob Thaxton, June 1, 2011.
June 5, 2011 – Cotton growers fear the worst as crop yields are expected to be low this year.
YNN Austin, Ashley Porter, June 5, 2011.
June 7, 2011 – Texas crop, weather for June 7, 2011: State Climatologist - Drought third-worst in Texas history
AgriLife Today, Robert Burns, June 7, 2011.
June 9, 2011 – Grape growers have thrived and have provided an exceptional crop during this current drought.
KCBD Lubbock, Tiffany Pelt, June 9, 2011.
June 14, 2011 – Texas crop, weather for June 14, 2011: With hay and water supplies dwindling, producers continue to cull herds
AgriLife Today, Robert Burns, June 14, 2011.
June 17, 2011 – The mayor of Rio Hondo has questioned the water conservation practices of the irrigation system.
The Brownsville Herald, Fernando del Valle, June 17, 2011.
June 21, 2011 – Texas crop, weather for June 21, 2011: Add grasshopper outbreaks to drought woes
AgriLife Today, Robert Burns, June 21, 2011.
June 21, 2011 – A recent cold front brought some relieving rains to Texas, but the rainfall was not enough to get the state out of the danger zone.
KTXS Abilene, Mark Rowlett, June 21, 2011.
June 25, 2011 – Emergency cattle grazing in the Big Country has proved effective with the Conservation Reserve Program.
Abilene Reporter News, June 25, 2011.
June 27, 2011 – The few, the proud: the organic farmers in Parker County.
Weatherford Democrat, Judy Sheridan, June 27, 2011.
June 28, 2011 – Texas crop, weather for June 28, 2011: Nearly all Panhandle/South Plains dryland crops have failed
AgriLife Today, Robert Burns, June 28, 2011.
June 29, 2011 – Experts say that the drought may lead to higher nitrate levels in plants.
Nueces County Record Star, Jeffrey Stamper, June 29, 2011.
Inclement Weather
June 18, 2011 – Sand and dust storms are blowing up in West Texas after the numerous wildfires seen in the region.
Abilene Reporter News, Cliff Etheredge, June 18, 2011.
June 20, 2011 – The City of Garland recently revealed that seventy percent of its tornado sirens do not work.
WFAA Dallas-Ft. Worth, Jason Whitely, June 20, 2011.
June 22, 2011 – Thousands were still without power in the Lower Rio Grande Valley because of storms that rolled through the area.
The Brownsville Herald, Diana Eva Maldonado, June 22, 2011.
June 23, 2011 – NASA recently held a chat for Lightning Safety Awareness Month (June).
Red Orbit, June 23, 2011.
June 28, 2011 – An informative Q&A concerning heat lightning
Texas A&M University News, June 28, 2011.
Flooding
June 11, 2011 – With the ground so dry and cracked, flash floods become a greater threat during heavy storms that can occur during the summer months.
HCN Regional News Bureau, Michael Reed, June 11, 2011.
June 13, 2011 – A pilot recently photographed the difference of the Lower Rio Grande landscape since the floods a year ago.
The Monitor (Rio Grande Valley), Brad Doherty, June 13, 2011.
June 23, 2011 – Floods troubled Brownsville as torrential rains left their mark.
The Brownsville Herald, Molly Jasinski, Nicole Sanchez, and Isaac Garcia, June 23, 2011.
Heat
June 1, 2011 – Due to excessive heat, there is a great danger in leaving children and pets unattended.
San Antonio Express News, Pierre Bertrand, June 1, 2011.
June 5, 2011 – The recent heat wave pummeled Austin as old records were easily tied or broken, with new records becoming an almost daily occurrence.
KXAN Austin, John Bumgardner, June 5, 2011.
June 10, 2011 – The rolling blackouts have already begun in this summer heat.
KLTV Tyler/Longview, Ian Smith, June 10, 2011.
June 11, 2011 – A doctor with the Scott & White Clinic in Taylor helped identify the risks and dangers of being out in the heat.
Taylor Daily Press, Amanda Sena, June 11, 2011.
June 15, 2011 – Houston broke a century old record of the hottest first half of June average temperature.
The Houston Chronicle, Eric Berger, June 15, 2011.
June 17, 2011 – The recent heat has set several temperature records in the Big Country.
KTXS Abilene, Mark Rowlett, June 17, 2011.
June 19, 2011 – The heat killed one young man and hospitalized dozens at the Electric Daisy Carnival in Dallas.
KDAF Dallas-Ft. Worth, Charles Bassett, June 19, 2011.
June 22, 2011 – San Antonio has maintained Project Cool to keep its senior citizens safe from the heat.
San Antonio Express News, Meredith Canales, June 22, 2011.
June 26, 2011 – Lubbock experienced its second hottest day on record at 112 degrees.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Adam Young, June 26, 2011.
Hurricanes
June 1, 2011 – With the Climate Prediction Center forecasting three to six major hurricanes this season, authorities are preparing residents on the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.
Occupational Health & Safety, June 1, 2011.
June 9, 2011 – Hurricane Adrian strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico.
KWTX, June 9, 2011.
June 18, 2011 – The National Hurricane Center has improved its effectiveness in tracking hurricanes over the past 10 years.
Corpus Christi Caller Times, Lee Goddard, June 18, 2011.
June 26, 2011 – A tropical disturbance is being closely monitored just south of the Texas border.
The Brownsville Herald, June 26, 2011.
Severe Weather
June 4, 2011 – When the weather becomes stormy in Kilgore, the local cemeteries have a messy dilemma on their hands.
Kilgore News Herald, James Draper, June 4, 2011.
June 5, 2011 – Over 66,000 homes in Houston lost power due to high winds and lightning that accompanied recent stormy weather.
The Houston Chronicle, Zain Shauk, June 5, 2011.
June 6, 2011 – A lightning strike may have caused a fire at a Houston apartment complex.
The Houston Chronicle, Mike Glenn, June 6, 2011.
June 9, 2011 – Given the abundance of deadly tornadoes in other parts of the country it is important to know safety tips and warning signs for tornadoes.
The Memorial Examiner, Katherine Cabaniss, June 9, 2011.
June 12, 2011 – Members of the Red Cross from the Ft. Worth have set out to aid those with disaster relief.
The Star Telegram (Fort Worth), Jeff Watson, June 12, 2011.
June 13, 2011 – After many years of rehabilitation from a lightning strike, a young man fulfilled his dream and graduated from high school.
The Gonzales Inquirer, Rob Ford, June 13, 2011.
June 14, 2011 – Two men from San Antonio traveled to Joplin, MO to provide meals for tornado victims.
San Antonio Express News, Jessica Elizarraras, June 14, 2011.
June 15, 2011 – Experts in North Texas surveyed roofs for durability after recent hailstorms.
Star Telegram (Fort Worth), Steve Campbell, June 15, 2011.
June 19, 2011 – High winds in North Texas wreaked havoc on a Whitesboro RV business.
KTEN Texoma, Jennifer French, June 19, 2011.
June 21, 2011 – Severe weather slammed North Texas with hail, lightning, high winds, and some much-needed rainfall.
Denton Record Chronicle, Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe and Dawn Cobb, June 21, 2011.
June 22, 2011 – A dead doorbell alerted Corpus Christi residents to a lightning strike.
KZTV Corpus Christi, Mitch Bryan, June 22, 2011.
June 24, 2011 – Hail in Graham causes extensive damage to numerous homes and vehicles.
The Graham Leader, June 24, 2011.
June 26, 2011 – Ham radio operators are on stand-by for emergency responses during future severe weather outbreaks.
Star Telegram (Fort Worth), Terry Evans, June 26, 2011.
June 29, 2011 – Severe weather led to fires due to downed power lines and also led to widespread power outages.
KYTX Tyler/Longview, Courtney Friedman, June 29, 2011.
Other Climate Impacts
Air/Water Quality
June 8, 2011 – The recent oppressive heat has been a factor in triggering asthma and allergy symptoms.
Accented Touch, June 8, 2011.
June 10, 2011 – The wildfires in Arizona have had a far-reaching effect in West Texas, with a significant effect being a lowering of the air quality.
KFOX El Paso, Hema Mullur, June 10, 2011.
June 12, 2011 – The ozone season has opened up for the DFW Metroplex and the numbers have been high, meaning air quality has been poor.
The Star Telegram, June 12, 2011.
June 24, 2011 – Mold allergies were a negative side effect to the many positive side effects after a rare rain in Houston.
The Houston Chronicle, June 24, 2011.
Animals/Aquatic Life
June 6, 2011 – Placing watering stations on one’s property can help wildlife survive the lack of rain.
The Pearland Journal, Dana Guthrie, June 6, 2011.
June 7, 2011 – Zookeepers strive to make the Abilene Zoo a suitable environment for exotic animals amidst the Texas heat.
KTXS Abilene, Julie Phillips, June 7, 2011.
June 8, 2011 – A spoonful of natural, local honey could just save you from some annoying allergies.
Occupational Health & Safety, June 8, 2011.
June 13, 2011 – Even the “roly-polies” want to escape the heat!
Abilene Reporter News, June 13, 2011.
June 15, 2011 – Reptiles went on an adventure in Beaumont to find new watering holes this summer.
Beaumont Enterprise, Jessica Lipscomb, June 15, 2011.
June 20, 2011 – Most bugs don’t stand a chance in this kind of hot, dry weather, a positive effect to the ongoing drought.
YNN Austin, Dan Robertson, June 20, 2011.
June 21, 2011 – A booming grasshopper population has become a significant problem in the hot, dry weather.
Mineral Wells Index, Chris Agee, June 21, 2011.
June 28, 2011 – A Baylor University study showed that climate change can lead to an increased production of chemicals that are dangerous for aquatic life.
Baylor University News, June 28, 2011.
Construction
June 1, 2011 – The City of Galveston created an exquisite refurbishment and landmark to commemorate Hurricane Ike.
The Star Telegram (Fort Worth), June Naylor, June 1, 2011.
June 2, 2011 – Experts warn about the ability of high temperatures to lead to breaking water mains.
Time Record News (Wichita Falls), Ken Fibbe, June 2, 2011.
June 15, 2011 – A quarry near Buda recently upgraded its technology to reduce dust and water consumption dramatically.
Hays Free Press, Wes Ferguson, June 15, 2011.
June 24, 2011 – A new Boys and Girls Club was celebrated after the previous facility was destroyed by Hurricane Ike.
The Houston Chronicle, Naheeda Sayeeduddin, June 24, 2011.
June 27, 2011 – A brand new hurricane shelter was recently built in San Antonio for potential evacuees.
KENS San Antonio, Brian New, June 27, 2011.
Economics
June 3, 2011 – The Upper Guadalupe River has been drying up considerably, completely altering the businesses along the river.
KSAT San Antonio, June 3, 2011.
June 4, 2011 – Lake Conroe is sitting at remarkably low levels, but the low levels have actually improved the commercial businesses surrounding the lake.
The Courier of Montgomery County, Brad Meyer, June 4, 2011.
June 14, 2011 – The state of Texas has seen over 30 separate $1 billion weather disasters since 1980.
The Houston Chronicle, Eric Berger, June 14, 2011.
June 16, 2011 – This summer, the drought has kept water well experts on the go as they seek to fulfill the high demand.
The Courier of Montgomery County, Howard Roden, June 16, 2011.
June 17, 2011 – A new bill has been put forth to remove the Texas Windstorm Association.
Corpus Christi Caller Times, Steven Alford, June 17, 2011.
June 18, 2011 – The U.S. Government has provided tax breaks for businesses that have been affected by severe weather.
The Houston Chronicle, Joyce Rosenberg, June 18, 2011.
June 28, 2011 – The drought has caused a steadily climb in food prices.
KCEN Waco, Molly O'Brien, June 28, 2011.
Homes/Gardening/Trees
June 3, 2011 – The Lantana flower thrives in dry, sunny conditions and can easily survive the heat.
The Courier of Montgomery County, Tom LeRoy, June 3, 2011.
June 7, 2011 – Teams planted over 40,000 trees in the Houston area this year to help reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality.
Bellaire Examiner, Trees for Houston, June 7, 2011.
June 8, 2011 – A neighborhood recently upgraded to solar power to save energy and reduce costs.
KTRK Houston, Cynthia Cisneros, June 8, 2011.
June 10, 2011 – The University of the Incarnate Word went “green” to become environmentally friendly, and seeks to set a trend.
San Antonio Express News, Jennifer Hiller, June 10, 2011.
June 10, 2011 – Mold in homes has been found to trigger allergies in children at a young age.
Accented Touch, June 10, 2011.
June 14, 2011 – Newly planted trees have struggled to grow amidst the ongoing drought.
Abilene Reporter News, Bruce Kreitler, June 14, 2011.
June 17, 2011 – One particular flower, the sunflower, enjoys the sun and heat during the Texas summer.
San Antonio Express News, Calvin Finch, June 17, 2011.
June 24, 2011 – As yards are dying across the state, an alternative has sprung up that involves painting grass green.
WFAA Dallas-Ft. Worth, June 24, 2011.
June 28, 2011 – During a drought, only the hardiest plants are able to show their petals.
The Daily News (Galveston County), Dr. William Johnson, June 28, 2011.
June 29, 2011 – Solar energy fans can use the heat from attics and can be useful in helping cool off homes.
KHOU Houston, Christine Haas, June 29, 2011.
Hunting/Fishing
June 14, 2011 – Now may be the time to go fishing as the lake levels are diminishing and will likely continue diminishing over the summer.
Racks & Reels, Michael Innis, June 14, 2011.
Recreation/Leisure/Athletics
June 6, 2011 – North Texas has gained a reputation for unseasonable weather during recent major sporting events.
NBC Dallas-Ft. Worth, Susy Solis, June 6, 2011.
June 9, 2011 – Summertime stargazing can be a wonderful activity, only if you know where to look!
Times Record News (Wichita Falls), June 9, 2011.
June 11, 2011 – Young entrepreneurs recently took advantage of the heat to create a successful business venture.
Lubbock Avalanche Journal, Walt Nett, June 11, 2011.
June 16, 2011 – It takes some work but it is possible to stay stylish while also surviving the Texas summers.
The Daily Texan, Rachel Perlmutter, June 16, 2011.
June 18, 2011 – An artist created a beautiful piece from a dead tree that was recently struck by lightning.
San Antonio Express News, Pamela Howell, June 18, 2011.
June 21, 2011 – In Lake Travis, sudden drop-offs have been a serious problem lately and have unfortunately caused fatalities.
KXAN Austin, Jarrod Wise, June 21, 2011.
June 22, 2011 – The Texas Rangers installed a new turf which is designed to beat the North Texas heat.
The Dallas Morning News, Gerry Fraley, June 22, 2011.
June 23, 2011 – The world’s largest sprinkler makes its home in Houston.
CultureMap Houston, Sarah Byerley, June 23, 2011.
June 30, 2011 – The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is still planning on holding its annual Fort Davis Butterfly Count, even in the heat.
Alpine Avalanche, June 30, 2011.
June 30, 2011 – A study shows that children are healthier and happier when they are outside more often.
Midland Reporter Telegram, Burr Williams, June 30, 2011.
Roads/Traffic/Travel
June 7, 2011 – With the approaching monsoon season, El Paso residents are aware of the dangers of dust storms when hitting the roadways.
KVIA El Paso, Jennifer Myers, June 7, 2011.
June 16, 2011 – In Houston, the heat has made work difficult, even for law enforcement.
KENS San Antonio, June 16, 2011.
June 20, 2011 – Can a car give you a hint about the future of climate change?
San Antonio Express News, Ricardo Pimentel, June 20, 2011.
June 27, 2011 – The heat was so severe in Amarillo that it actually grounded a few flights, which is quite a rare occurrence.
Amarillo Globe News, Joe Gamm, June 27, 2011.
June 30, 2011 – “Don’t Mess With Texas” is targeting smokers to use proper ashtrays during the current drought.
KXAN Austin, John Bumgardner, June 30, 2011.
