It was a June of record-breaking temperatures and rainfall across the state. Before the summer season could officially begin Texas was already experiencing some intense heat waves. Severe weather conditions also affected Texas residents by damaging property and causing the cancellation of some leisure and athletic events. Funding for southeast Texas residents affected by Hurricane Harvey’s destruction last summer continue to be sought after and acquired nearly a year after its wrath along the Gulf Coast. Considering the current hurricane season, a notable tropical wave made its way into South Texas dumping a large amount of rainfall on the region just as the season got started. Contrary to these conditions in the southern region, the Panhandle and West Texas continued to struggle with drought conditions.
The start of June marked the end of the second hottest May on record for North Texas, with an average of 79 degrees behind 1997’s 79.7 degree average. Austin, Texas observed an early 100-degree temperature reading on the second day of June. According to the National Weather Service, the Texas Capital city matched a 10-year record when the thermometer read 101 degrees, the first triple-digit day for the city this year. Heat warnings and advisories were issued by the National Weather Service as heat indices pushed to values greater than 110 degrees in some areas across the state. Staff and officials with Texas summer camps had to seek methods for promoting child health and maintaining fun during the intense daytime heating, including Camp Tanglewood in Bryan, Texas. Staff allowed campers to enjoy up to five hours outside to keep them active while sustaining efficient hydration. North Texas residents at one point couldn’t catch a break from the heat after sunset, with a temperature of 99 degrees observed the night and early morning hours of June 23 and 24. The uncomfortably high temperature occurrence was caused by a rare meteorological event known as a “heat burst” brought about by downward rushing air from dissipating storms that moved into the DFW region.
A system of severe thunderstorms moved across the state in the first weeks of the month causing an immense amount of damage in numerous regions. An American Airlines flight that departed from San Antonio was forced to land in El Paso when conditions became unmanageable for the crew. The plane sustained damage to the nose and windshield. Another system in the second week pelted DFW with baseball-sized hail and 60 mph winds, causing an estimated $425 million in total damage.
The American Red Cross provided additional help to those impacted by Hurricane Harvey through financial assistantships for those qualifying by having destroyed or significantly damaged homes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also provided a large contribution to assist Harris County recovery this month by awarding $51 million for property acquisition of homes prone to flooding. Paired with this financial assistance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development officially approved aid that will be provided to homeowners affected by Hurricane Harvey. $5 billion will be distributed to counties impacted with $2.3 billion set aside specifically for Harris County and the City of Houston.
South Texas residents had an early preview to the 2018 Hurricane Season when a tropical weather disturbance brought significant amounts of rainfall to the region during the middle of the month. Over the course of several days, rainfall totals were on the range of 10 to 15+ inches. According to the mayor of Mission, Texas, nearly 200 rescues were made for people that were inundated by the high-standing water. Though North and West Texas were comparatively dry this month, some measurable rain events helped alleviate all areas of “exceptional drought” in the state by the end of the month for the first time since late March of this year.
