Societal Impacts on the State of Texas: November 2016 Summary Report
Some of the heat from October found its way into November. On the first day of the month the National Weather Service in Fort Worth reported a new record high of 88 degrees and a new record for highest overnight low of 75 degrees, which topped the previous record by 8 degrees. On November 16 the afternoon high temperature broke a 95 year record by 2 degrees and was 21 degrees above normal. Lubbock's average temperature in November was 67.5 degrees, breaking the previous record of 66.2 degrees, and Dallas saw a record high of 88 degrees, breaking a 95 year old record by 2 degrees. The month of November did not go without some cold air intrusions—some being the coldest of the season so far. The first significant blast of cold air occurred about mid month with areas in the Panhandle, North Texas, and Central Texas seeing their first freezing temperatures of the season. Severe storms producing hail in the El Paso area caused more than $100 million of damage according to the Insurance Council of Texas.
Crops across the state are expected to be a mixed bag thanks to drought conditions increasing across the state during the month of October. According to state agronomist Mark Welch, only 86 percent of winter wheat was planted compared to the five year average of 88 percent and the percentage of poor and very poor rating increased by 5 percent. Some top cotton producers, however, are expected to turn out in good conditions after the forecast was poor thanks to timely rains. Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost more this year. Some dairy products and poultry saw price reductions compared to last year while vegetables mostly saw prices increases. The duck and waterfowl began this month and hunters are optimistic. Above-average rainfall over the past two years has primed conditions for the birds. The only thing hunters need is a blast of cold air to bring the birds south towards warmer temperatures.