AUSTIN (KXAN) – Texas climate often leaves us dry for numerous weeks at a time. The summer months can be cruel with blazing temperatures and little-to-no rain relief.
The phrase “heat dome” is when high pressure traps hot temperatures over an area for an extended period of time.
Austin has seen multiple periods without rain for more than 50 days. These long stretches without rain can lead to significant drought levels. Abnormally dry conditions affect our water levels, vegetation, energy production, livestock, and can increase the risk of wildfire outbreaks across our area.
READ MORE: How this September’s drought levels compare to years prior
February is the driest month of the year with an average 1.89″ of total precipitation. July is the second driest with an average of 1.96″ total precipitation.
When researching the total number of consecutive days without measurable rainfall in the Austin area, four out of the top ten driest stretches were in the last 20 years.
The longest dry stretch recorded in Austin dates back to 1992, when there were 65 consecutive days without a drop of rain.
In 2022, when there were 51 consecutive days without rainfall, over 60% of Central Texas was in the highest level exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.