Burn Bans

Drought

Monthly Change in Drought Monitor Classification

Drought Creeping Back Into Texas Panhandle -- The High Plains region in the Texas Panhandle is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, which is unusual with El Niño in place. The recent storm tracks have actually been dominated by another large scale circulation, which is driving the dry conditions. The El Niño is still holding its own, but forecasters say La Niña could follow in its footsteps, which has the potential to cause major drought.
My High Plains, Karl Wehmhoener, March 25, 2016

Wildfire

Storms cause fire near Houston, power outages in South Texas -- Thunderstorms were blamed for a fire that damaged an oil field site near Houston and power outages along the Coastal Bend on Saturday. No injuries were reported, but more than 55,000 customers in South Texas lost power due to the storms. I-10 along the Texas-Louisiana border reopened late Friday after being closed for several days due to record flooding earlier in the week.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Staff Writer, March 19, 2016

Drought easing amid fire weather conditions -- Even though the Plainview area is back to normal soil moisture levels, high winds, hot temperatures, and low humidity have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch. The Red Flag Warning is in effect Tuesday and Tuesday night followed by the Fire Weather Watch Wednesday and Wednesday night.
The Plainview Herald, Doug McDonough, March 21, 2016

Intense winds, dry conditions kindle Texas Panhandle wildfires -- Sporadic fires were sparked Wednesday in the Texas Panhandle, which prompted evacuations and destroyed multiple properties. Wind gusts up to 60mph and humidity values as low as 8 percent were reported. At least 8 counties were reporting fires, and the most dangerous fire spanned more than 3,000 acres across Hutchinson and Carson counties.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Aaron Davis, March 23, 2016

Agriculture/Livestock

Texas Crop and Weather report - March 1 -- The climate and soil conditions in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex are well suited for high value specialty crops. More than 20 different crops are produced commercially, which make agriculture a primary driver the the Metroplex’s economy. From 2007 to 2012 the number of farm acreage in the 8 county metroplex increased by 10%.
AgriLife TODAY, Paul Schattenberg, March 1, 2016

After wet 2015, dry start to 2016 not scaring Lubbock’s water managers -- Even with the Lubbock area returning to abnormally dry conditions after last years record setting rain, water resource experts are optimistic about this year’s water supply. Lubbock’s main groundwater sources have been at the highest ever in recent years. Lake Alan Henry is 94% full and Lake Meredith is more than 26% percent full.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Adam Young, March 2, 2016

Valley growers need rain, higher market prices -- According to a Texas A&M AgriLife expert, Rio Grande Valley growers are off to a questionable start in 2016. With abnormally dry conditions, little rain, and low market prices are making farmers worried about how their crops will do in terms of profit. Low market prices for all crops have not given growers incite to decide what crops to grow.
MYPlainview, Rod Santa Ana, March 3, 2016

Valley growers looking for rain -- On top of low commodity prices, Rio Grande Valley farmers are facing weather misfortunes too. A rainless year so far is hindering spring planting. Heavy rains last year have made soils moist deep below the surface. Seeds are in the ground waiting for water to begin germinating, and with rain in the forecast farmers are optimistic.
Brownsville Herald, Rick Kelley, March 6, 2016

Texas Crop and Weather report -- Warm weather in Texas has forced farmers and ranchers to seek ways to control weeds on their land. An AgriLife officials stated that anytime soil is disturbed there is potential for weed germination. Heavy rains in east Texas prevented farmers from reaching their crops, which, in the end, hurt farmers who decided to plant early. Farmers who delayed planting will have an abundance of soil moisture to work with in the coming spring.
AgriLife Today, Adam Russell, March 23, 2016

Signficiant Weather

Rainfall/Flooding

A slow moving storm means heavy rain in tap for East Texas -- After a fine weekend, the weather is going to change drastically compared to most of the year so far. A strong storm system will enter Texas beginning next week and bring us heavy, widespread rain throughout the week. Flooding will be a concern with this system as it will essentially stall on top of the state.
KTRE, Brad Hlozek, March 4, 2016

North Texas should see another wet and stormy spring -- More than just precipitation records were broken in 2015, but also tornado records. Spring time is severe weather time for North Texas and the first round of storms is on the way. Flooding and severe storms are a good possibility with the upcoming system.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Bill Hanna, March 4, 2016

Houston and surrounding areas under flash flood watch -- The National Weather Service has placed a flash flood watch for the Houston area until Wednesday at 6pm. The large storm system is set to arrive Tuesday and will produce hail, heavy rain, and possibly a tornado. Tuesday night and Wednesday are expected to be the heaviest part of the storm.
The Houston Chronicle, Craig Hlavaty, March 7, 2016

Heavy rains hit Texas on Tuesday, deluge on its way to Austin -- Storms have already dumped heavy rain across areas of Texas and spawned a few tornadoes. By the time this storm system exits Texas, it could drop up to a foot of rain in some areas. Austin is under a slight risk of flooding along with high winds, hail, and upwards of 3 inches of rain.
The Austin American-Statesman, Staff Writer, March 8, 2016

Strong storms, heavy rain and flooding expected across Houston area -- A low pressure system will stall over Texas, bringing a prolonged period of wet weather to the state. Houston is still under a Flash Flood Watch as heavy rain is expected throughout the day. Double digit rain accumulations could be possible with this system. River and coastal flooding will be a major issue if heavy rain does fall in those regions.
KPRC, Staff Writer, March 8, 2016

Flash Flood Watch extended for southeast Texas until Thursday morning -- The Flash Flood Watch for Southeast Texas has been extended from 6pm Wednesday to 6am Thursday. Widespread moderate to heavy rain is expected to continue through much of Wednesday evening. Rain chances will steadily decrease as the storm system pushes out of the area by the weekend.
KPRC, Khambrel Marshall, March 9, 2016

Central Texas school bus flips in weather-related wreck -- A Central Texas school bus slipped off a rain-slick road and flipped slightly injuring the driver and another adult on board. The bus was on its morning route when the driver lost control on a curve. The two special-needs children on board were not injured.
KEYE, Staff Writer, March 9, 2016

Heavy storms brings flooding across parts of Houston area -- Roads in northwest Harris County remained flooded Thursday night due to heavy rains. Many drivers were forced to turn around and some 18-wheelers were stuck. Water was on the rise in Kingwood, but fortunately it did not cause damage to residents in the neighborhood.
KHOU, Meteorologist Britta Merwin, March 10, 2016

Showers over Central Texas waning out, but could return overnight -- Cloudy skies are now in place over the Austin area, but storms could return after a few hours. The National Weather Service expect showers overnight to bring brief downpours and up to a quarter of an inch more rain.
The Austin American-Statesman, Marty Toohey, March 11, 2016

Saturday rains bring more high water to East Texas -- Caddo Lake and the Sabine River are expected to rise above current record levels. As rain continued to fall and water continued to rise the American Red Cross opened a temporary shelter.
Longview News-Journal, Staff Writer, March 12, 2016

Residents still flooded near San Jacinto River -- The San Jacinto River is causing serious flooding south of Lake Conroe. Little warning was given, which requires some residents along the river needing rescue. Firefighters pulled a total of 15 people out of the water.
KHOU, Alice Barr, March 12, 2016

Thousands of Homes Damaged in Southern Floods; 6 Killed -- 10 inches of rain fell in some parts of the Lone Star State this week, which caused extreme flooding. A mandatory evacuation was ordered for residents along the Sabine River from Burkeville to Deweyville. Property damage was an issue all across Texas with flooding, strong winds, hail, and tornadoes.
The Weather Channel, Sean Breslin, March 14, 2016

Record setting flooding for Sabine -- The National Weather Services is expecting flood conditions to continue along the Sabine River for the next few days. The record was so dramatic because the numerical models used to predict flood stages have not come across the amount of water coming from upstream. Light rain is expected to linger and is not expected to have any more impact on current flooding.
American Press, Justin Phillips, March 13, 2016

Record flooding swamps Texas, Louisiana, Miss. -- In parts of southeast Texas, rivers are rising to record levels. Flood warnings were in effect and rivers remained dangerously high. The Sabine River has risen to more than 31 feet complete submerging the town of Deweyville, Texas. The all-time flood record for Deweyville of 32 feet is expected to reach 35 feet by the Tuesday according to the National Weather Service.
USA Today, Doyle Rice, March 14, 2016

Texas Town Swamped as 2 Million Across South Face Flooding -- Record river levels along the Sabine submerged the Texas town of Deweyville and shut it off from the rest of the world after heavy rains. Flooding is expected to be a huge problem in the coming week and mandatory evacuations have been ordered for residents of the town.
NBC News, F. Brinley Bruton, March 14, 2016

Texas issues disaster declaration after flooding -- A state of disaster was declared for nearly 20 Texas counties hit by heavy rain and flooding. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state is assisting with evacuations and water rescues as necessary. Hundreds of residents in southeast Texas were evacuated after water levels of the Sabine River rose to record heights.
The Courier, Staff Writer, March 14, 2016

Deweyville, Texas, Completely Cut Off by Record-Breaking Floodwaters; Mandatory Evacuations Ordered -- Officials in Newton County have been monitoring the record flooding in Deweyville Texas. They fear all of the homes of the 1,200 residents will be flooded by the time this event is over. About 45 people have been rescued by boats or air according to Trout Creek Fire Rescue officials.
The Weather Channel, Sean Breslin, March 15, 2016

Texas town soaked by worst flooding in over a century -- Everything in the town of Deweyville is submerged in the town’s worst flooding event in over 100 years. Even though a mandatory evacuation was ordered for the town, some lifelong residents do not want to leave.
CBS News, David Begnaud, March 15, 2016

Residents Flee as Floodwaters Rise in Southeastern Texas -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster of nearly 20 counties due to heavy rains, and, in some cases, over a foot of rain. A mandatory evacuation was ordered for the town of Deweyville, Texas. Across the state in Denton, a school bus was trapped due to floodwaters. Near Houston, a kayaker was killed when his vessel was capsized by strong storms.
The Weather Channel, Sean Breslin, March 16, 2016

Flood victims threaten to sue Sabine River Authority -- Flood victims in Newton County are discussing a class action lawsuit against the Sabine River Authority. Some victims are unhappy with how the water release from the Toledo Bend was managed, which caused a large portion of flooding along the Sabine River.
KHOU, Staff Writer, March 16, 2016

Sabine River Crests in Deweyville, Texas, But Problems Remain -- The Sabine River in Deweyville reached a record highest point Tuesday night, but it appears the rise has ended. More than 400 homes have been flood, and officials believe every home will be flooded by the end of the rain event.
The Weather Channel, Sean Breslin, March 17, 2016

Federal disaster declared for ‘flood of records’ in East Texas -- Orange, Jasper, and Newton counties were slammed with as much as 20 inches of rain last week. A flood of records hit the area, but no deaths or serious injuries were reported. The federal government granted Governor Abbott’s request for individual and public assistance in the wake of the record flooding.
KSAT, Chris Shadrock, March 19, 2016

Evacuation Order in Southeast Texas Lifted -- Mandatory evacuations have been lifted in Orange County in Southeast Texas after record flooding hit the area. About 9,100 people were in the evacuation zone, but it is uncertain as to how many people actually left. No injuries or deaths were reported, but nearly 200 people were rescued during the flooding.
WBAP, Staff Writer, March 20, 2016

Sabine River flooding prompts evacuation order -- Officials issues a mandatory evacuation for the southeast Texas town of Deweyville. The Sabine River is expected to continue to rise and cause a flood emergency. No injuries have been reported thus far.
Texas Digest, Staff Writer, March 12, 2016

Rain Could Fall on Easter --Easter weekend will start off with lots of sunshine and above normal temperatures. A cold front will make its way into the Waco area early after sunrise Sunday morning. Rain ahead of the front is expected, but no severe weather is expected. Rain will quickly push out of the area and winds will be gusty for the rest of Easter Sunday.
KXXV, Conley Isom, March 25, 2016

Three die in South Texas wreck with three pickup trucks during rain -- Three semi-trucks to crash killing three and critically injuring two others during rain. Investigators are trying to determine if weather was the factor in the wreck. No information was given from the San Antonio Hospital where the two critically injured were taken.
The Forth Worth Star-Telegram, Staff Writer, March 28, 2016

Warm Weather

Sunshine returns to North Texas -- After a week filled with rain and clouds, forecasters are calling for mostly sunny skies with warm temperatures. High temperatures in North Texas could reach the upper 80s, which are 15 to 20 degrees above normal. Rain chances will increase as the week progresses, but a soaking is not expected.
The Forth Worth Star-Telegram, Domingo Ramirez, March 13, 2016

Heat records could fall in Texas, other southern states -- Forecasters with the National Weather Service are forecasting temperatures in the mid 80s in the southern states. In Texas record high temperatures will be possible along the I-35 corridor from Austin to San Antonio.
KWTX, Staff Writer, March 15, 2016

Beautiful weather Sunday evening followed by a nice start to the work week in Houston -- A cold front has moved through the Houston area as of Sunday afternoon. High pressure has filled in behind the front, which will bring beautiful weather for the beginning of the work week. As the high pressure moves to the east, southerly flow will bring clouds back into the forecast mid week as well as a chance of rain.
KPRC, Eric Braate, March 27, 2016

Cold/Winter Weather

Freezing Temperatures to Start Week -- Even though it is officially Spring, a cold front dropped temperatures to near freezing along with gusty winds. Monday morning low temperatures for the Waco area are forecast to drop to the freezing mark with only a light freeze expected. Warmer weather will make its way back into the area through the early week before a weak cold front cools temperatures down to end the week.
KXXV, Conley Isom, March 20, 2016

Severe Weather

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Floods -- This week is severe weather week. This is just in time for severe season in Texas. It will be hard to compete with rainfall records from 2015, but single heavy rainfall events can cause damage. Being weather aware and understanding what types of warnings the National Weather Service issues can make a difference.
KBTX, Staff Writer, March 2, 2016

Risk of severe weather, heavy rain next week -- Central Texas could see heavy rain and strong to severe thunderstorms starting next Monday through Thursday. Rounds of on and off precipitation will most likely be the pattern. This event is quite rare and the Storm Prediction Center is already placing Central Texas in a risk for severe storms well in advance of this system.
KXAN, David Yeomans, March 3, 2016

Central Texas will be at the southern edge of most of these severe threats -- The Storm prediction Center already has parts of Texas under a severe weather watch. This is an unusual situation with an early Spring storm pattern that will bring widespread rains to Texas. While rain is a good thing for Texas, the amounts could be harmful. These storms are difficult to predict. Rainfall in the 2-6in range can be expected for Central Texas.
KEYE, Collin Myers, March 5, 2016

Unsettled weather ahead -- Starting Monday unsettled weather will move its way into Denton County in North Texas. Heavy rain, hail, high winds and possibly a tornado are in the forecast. Areas across North Texas could receive 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts. The highest threat for flash flooding will be along and east of I-35.
Cross Timbers Gazette, Staff Writer, March 5, 2016

Severe thunderstorms possible Monday -- Central Texas has the chance to see very strong storms Monday night. The Storm Prediction Center still is forecasting severe storms again Tuesday. High wind, heavy rain, isolated hail, and a tornado are all possible Tuesday. Weak to moderate rain showers will continue through the rest of the week. Two inches of rain is expected, but locally higher amounts of 6 inches are possible.
KEYE, Collin Myers, March 6, 2016

Forecast calls for severe weather starting Monday afternoon -- The forecast for North Texas is rain, thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes, mainly early in the week. Temperatures will still be in the 60s and 70s as moisture is evident across Texas. Tuesday morning has the highest potential for severe weather. The next round of severe weather will be Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday morning.
The Forth Worth Star-Telegram, Dylan Bradley, March 6, 2016

Severe weather potential for West Texas -- Portions of West Texas will be under the potential for severe weather late monday into Tuesday morning. The largest severe threats will be hail, strong winds, and isolated heavy rain. Lingering storms could hang around through the day Tuesday. A better chance for rain will arrive Wednesday with the arrival of a cold front.
News West 9, Mariel Ruiz, March 7, 2016

Tornadoes possible as severe weather moves in -- An upper level cutoff low pressure system will form over the state, which will cause multiple rounds of rain and thunderstorms this week. Severe weather is possible with the main threat being hail and strong winds with a slight possibility of isolated tornadoes. The severe threat will be positioned during the early part of the week and will diminish by Wednesday.
WFAA, Greg Fields, March 7, 2016

3 tornadoes confirmed west of Fort Worth; storms to return Wednesday -- Wind, hail, and torrential rains hit North Texas hard on Tuesday morning, injuring at least 4 people in Hood County. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down in Tolar, which was the last of three confirmed tornadoes in 24 hours. Tarrant County reported 70mph wind gusts and close to an inch of rainfall was reported at the DFW airport.
The Forth Worth Star-Telegram, Bill Hanna, March 8, 2016

Tornado count up to 5 in North Texas; flood risk continues -- Additional survey damage in tarrant and Dallas counties confirmed two more tornadoes from the storms Monday night and Tuesday morning. Two EF-0 tornadoes were confirmed near Benbrook Lake and The Colony. Five tornadoes were confirmed; three EF-1 tornadoes and two EF-0 tornadoes.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Monica S. Nagy, March 9, 2016

National Weather Service confirms sixth tornado this week -- Three people were injured and homes and power lines were damaged due to six confirmed tornadoes Monday and Tuesday night. The sixth tornado confirmed by the National Weather Service was an EF-1 packed with winds upwards of 85mph.
The Dallas Morning News, Claire Z. Cardona, March 11, 2016

Severe weather updates: Golf ball-sized hail causes damage -- Hail covered the ground in some parts of North Texas as severe storms rolled through the area early Thursday. A tornado warning was issued for Parker County and flights at DFW Airport were grounded for a few hours. Cool and quiet weather will return the rest of the week.
WFAA, Jordan Armstrong, March 17, 2016

Large Hail Pelts Ft. Worth, Texas, Other Parts of the South Around St. Patrick’s Day 2016 -- St. Patrick’s day in North Texas was filled with a few rounds of damaging hail and severe weather. Roof damage was reported for several businesses. Strong storms moved through the Houston area the following evening dropping up to 2.5 inches of rain per hour in some locations. High water rescues were needed in association with these storms.
The Weather Channel, Staff Writer, March 19, 2016

Austin Area Weather Forecast: Severe Storms Possible Again -- Severe storms are again a possibility in Austin through Friday afternoon and evening. The tornado threat is low, but golf-ball sized hail is a possibility. Weather folks at KVUE are monitoring this system carefully because it could end with a whimper compared to a bang. This all depends on the timing of the system and the strength of the “cap” that is in place.
Downtown Austin-UT, Tony Cantu, March 18, 2016

Major Power Outage in Coastal Bend After Severe Weather -- Severe weather hit the Coastal Bend near Corpus Christi overnight Friday into Saturday. AEP Texas reports nearly 67,000 customers were without power overnight. By Saturday at noon, 45,000 were still without power as AEP crews were out all day trying to restore power. In all 89 zip codes were affected by this power outage.
KIII, Staff Writer, March 19, 2016

Severe weather early Thursday causes outages, delivers heavy rain -- A cold front pushed through the Austin area during the early morning hours of Thursday and produced high winds, heavy rain, and hail. About 2,200 Austin Energy customers were without power overnight, but crews restored power by midafternoon Friday. Firefighters had to respond to at least two house fires caused by lightning strikes.
The Austin American-Statesman, Staff Writer, March 24, 2016

Tornado touched down in Haslet on Wednesday night -- An EF0 tornado was confirmed Wednesday night in Haslet, Texas. The tornado produced winds between 65-75mph, destroyed a storage facility, and damaged roofs and awnings. Hail blanketed some areas of North Texas in association with these storms, but hailstones were not large enough to cause major damage, unlike last week’s storms. The Insurance Council of Texas estimates last week’s storm to reach $600 million in auto and property claims.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Ryan Osborne, March 24, 2016

Springtime blossoms with a chance of severe weather Wednesday -- Severe weather will be quick to arrive after the start of Spring in Central Texas. A 60 to 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms will arrive Wednesday morning. Large hail and strong winds will be the largest threat, but an isolated tornado cannot be out of the question.
Waco Tribune, Kristin Hoppa, March 29, 2016

New technology helping South Plains farmers grow with less water -- A new piece of technology aims to help farmers with the struggle of water management. This new product will be put to the test as the growing season begins into spring and summer. A soil probe senses soil moisture and sends an update via text to an app. Farmers can place these probes across their land to know which areas to farm and which areas are suffering.
KCBD, Presley Fowler, March 29, 2016

Other Climate Impacts

ENSO

Expert says past 5 years have seen record weather extremes -- Texas weather has been on both extremes of the spectrum the past 5 years. 2010-2011 was one of the driest every years in Texas and 2015 was the wettest year in Texas. Even though the El Niño is beginning to weaken, long-term forecasts are showing potential for heavy rain across Texas. The Texas State Climatologist says there is a 50/50 chance for the El Niño to turn into a La Niña by the end of this year.
Wilson County News, Staff Writer, March 2, 2016

Texas weather bounces between record extremes -- According to Dr. Nielsen-Gammon, Texas experienced one of its driest spells from 2010 to 2011 and then the wettest year on the 171 year history in 2015. So far, 2016 has brought a very mild winter, which is mostly over for Texas. It has also brought higher than normal temperatures since the beginning of the year. This coming week has the potential to bring more El Niño type storms, meaning more heavy rain for the state. The added rainfall will reduce the chance of wildfires for Texas.
Cleburne Times-Review, Jessica Pounds, March 10, 2016

Economics/Technology

Texas, cities share $142M in US funds for storm recovery -- Houston, and San Marcos will share $92 million in federal funding to aid in the aftermath of the 2015 storms. Houston will get nearly $67 million and San Marcos will receive more than $25 million, both for flooding damages.
KSWO, Staff Writer, March 1, 2016

President declares disaster in three Texas counties -- Greg Abbott’s request for federal assistance was accepted Sunday when President Obama declared a major disaster for Orange, Newton, and Jasper counties in southeast Texas. Residents can now receive grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and uninsured losses. FEMA was quick to respond to Texas’s request for assistance.
UPI, Staff Writer, March 20, 2016

5 More Gauges Installed Along Flood-Prone Texas Rivers -- $300,000 worth of advanced rain gauges were installed by the Lower Colorado River Authority along flood-prone rivers and streams in Central Texas. The new gauges are part of the organization’s 270 gauges, which provide forecasters with river stage, rainfall, temperature, and humidity information.
TWC News, Staff Writer, March 22, 2016

SETX Strong-Flood Relief -- The cleanup has begun for residents of Southeast Texas that were hit by record floods. Along with FEMA disaster grants, 5 Point Credit Union is taking cash donations that will be used to purchase gift cards, grocery vouchers, and provide housing assistance for flood victims. Donations can also be made online using the Salvation Army website.
FOX 4 Beaumont, Madison Miller, March 22, 2016

Six more counties can apply for disaster assistance -- Residents in six more counties can apply for federal assistance in the wake of severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes. They join the three counties already approved for assistance. Residents who suffered any damages or loss are encouraged to apply for assistance in the form of temporary housing vouchers, home repairs, and other medical or dental expenses.
KFDM, Haley Bull, March 26, 2016

North Texas-Area Counties Included In Updated FEMA List For Disaster Declaration -- Three North Texas counties were added to the disaster declaration of March 19, making them eligible to apply for disaster funds. Most damages in this area were hail and tornado related, and all who were harmed by these events is encouraged to apply for assistance with FEMA.
CBS DFW, Staff Writer, March 27, 2016

Traffic

I-10 closed at Louisiana-Texas border for 3rd day -- As of today Interstate 10 along the Texas-Louisiana border was still closed in both direction due to flood waters. This is the third consecutive day the major highway has been closed. No timeline has been given for reopening, but officials say they will evaluate damages after water has receded before reopening.
The Times-Picayune, Carlie Kollath Wells, March 17, 2016

I-10 Westbound & Eastbound now completely reopened -- After three days of being closed due to rising flood waters, I-10 along the Texas-Louisiana border has reopened. Water levels have receded and the Texas Department of Transportation has made proper safety inspections and decided to reopen the major highway.
KFDM, Staff Writer, March 18, 2016

Academics

Texas School District Cancels Classes This Week Amid Flood Recover -- A Deweyville School District closed for the entire week after record floods submerged the city. School has previously been cancelled due to severe weather. Students were on spring break the week before flooding closed the school for another week.
CBS DFW, Staff Writer, March 21, 2016

Hunting/Fishing

East Texas fisherman taking advantage of spring-like conditions -- Warm, spring-like conditions are allowing lake and river water temperatures to gradually increase. All sorts of fish are enjoying the warmer waters and fishermen are enjoying the fish and warmer temperatures. East Texas fishermen have been taking every opportunity they can to get out on the water.
Outdoors, Matt Williams, March 3, 2016

Find entertainment in fishing for white bass --Anglers are happy with the lack of winter in Texas. Fish have been able to mature quicker and spawn at earlier times. The warm weather has also made conditions comfortable for outdoor fishing.
Outdoors, Todd Nafe, March 5, 2016

Recreation/Leisure/Athletics

Fall, winter rain brightens Texas wildflower outlook -- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center officials are optimistic about the upcoming bluebonnet season. Although heavy rains last fall and early winter will help bluebonnet displays, spotty rain and warm conditions could affect some areas.
KWTX, Staff Writer, March 1, 2016

Changeable weather could help, hurt Texas wildflower displays -- Texas is on track for a spectacular wildflower display this spring according to the director of horticulture at UT Austin. Warm weather and patchy rain could dampen displays because wildflowers are driven by weather. The warm weather could also cause wildflowers to bloom early.
Physics.org, Staff Writer, March 4, 2016

Texas softball games canceled due to weather -- Two Texas softball games were cancelled due to weather during the Maverick Classic in Arlington Friday. One of the games was rescheduled for Saturday, but the other has yet to be rescheduled.
Austin American-Statesman, Staff Writer, March 11, 2016

Volunteer Storm Spotters Help Experts Track Bad Weather in Texas -- Even with new doppler radar technology there are still a few downfalls. Radars do not do a good job of picking up weather close to the ground, especially further away from the radar. The increasing numbers of storm spotters provide much needed information to the National Weather Service to release warnings for specific areas.
Austin American-Statesman, Martin Toohey, March 11, 2016

Texas weather brings early blooming of bluebonnets -- The unusually warm spring, without any cold spells, have helped bluebonnets mature quicker. Although the typical timespan for the wildflower is coming to an end, other red and orange wildflowers will start to blossom soon. However, if Texas continues to get rain, the bluebonnets could keep going for a few weeks longer.
The Daily Texan, Anusha Lalani, March 28, 2016