HOUSTON — Dry weather continues across Southeast Texas, and with it comes growing drought conditions and an increased fire danger this week.
According to meteorologist Chita Craft, rainfall totals at Bush Intercontinental Airport more than ten inches below normal for 2025 and October rainfall is at zero so far. The shortfall in precipitation, coupled with expanding drought conditions and numerous burn bans, has left portions of the region at moderate to high fire risk.
Rainfall deficit
As of mid-October, Bush Intercontinental Airport has recorded only 30.11 inches of rain for the year, well below the normal of 40.42 inches and marking a deficit of 10.31 inches. October has seen no measurable rainfall so far, trailing the historical average by nearly two inches for the month.
Drought conditions expand
The latest drought monitor shows conditions worsening since September. While most Houston-area counties were drought-free on September 1, a new drought report dated October 13 shows much of the region under “dry” to “moderate drought” status, with more severe conditions westward toward Austin and San Antonio. Exceptional drought persists in parts of Central Texas, but southeastern counties are now experiencing the effects of prolonged dry weather.
Elevated fire risk and more burn bans
Due to these dry conditions, fire risk has climbed to “moderate” and “high” levels across Harris County and neighboring areas, with a zone of “very high” fire risk located northeast of Houston near Cleveland…