Exceptional Drought Devastates South Texas

News Summary

San Antonio is experiencing an unprecedented drought, with rainfall at historic lows of only 1.77 inches since January 2025, about 36% of the usual amount. A staggering 55% of Bexar County is under exceptional drought conditions, severely impacting water levels in local lakes and increasing fire risks. Despite a brief warming trend in the weather forecast, there are concerns about the persistence of dry conditions. Residents are urged to stay informed and cautious as they navigate these challenging times.

Exceptional Drought Devastates South Texas as Rainfall Hits Record Lows

Things are looking a little too dry in San Antonio these days! With rainfall hitting historic lows, residents are feeling the heat from a drought that’s proving to be exceptionally damaging. Since the beginning of 2025, we’ve only seen a measly 1.77 inches of rain. To put that in perspective, that’s just around 36% of what we normally expect during this period. Yikes!

Impact on Bexar County

The situation is even more dire when we look at the broader picture. In fact, since last August, San Antonio has had only 5.99 inches of rain—over 13 inches less than we usually would have by now. The drought has worsened to the point where exceptional drought status is affecting a startling 55% of Bexar County, including central and southern areas as well as downtown San Antonio. We’re not alone in our struggle, though! Nearby areas like Atascosa, Wilson, and Medina counties are also feeling the brunt of these dry conditions.

Hill Country Woes

Up north in Bexar County and throughout much of the Hill Country, the situation remains grim with places facing extreme drought—one level below exceptional. The water levels in local lakes tell a sad story: Canyon Lake is only 48% full, marking the lowest it has ever been recorded. Meanwhile, Medina Lake is nearly empty at just 2.3% of its full capacity. That’s almost dry as a bone!

Fire Risks on the Rise

The ongoing drought is also heightening fire risks across the region. With the ground and vegetation becoming extremely dry, the chances of wildfires have surged. It’s essential for everyone to be cautious and take precautions during these unusually parched times.

What’s Next Weather-wise?

As we brace ourselves for another week, the good news is that Sunday’s weather forecast is shaping up beautifully. Expect morning temperatures to start off pleasantly cool, hovering in the upper 40s to low 50s. By 9:30 a.m., we should see the mercury rise to around 60 degrees and the afternoon will be delightful with highs approaching 80 degrees under sunny skies.

As we move into the night, temperatures are likely to drop back down into the upper 40s. Come Monday and Tuesday, a warming trend is on the horizon, with highs expected to reach about 83 degrees on Monday and even warmer at 86 degrees on Tuesday. Winds will kick up a notch, reaching speeds of 15-20 mph from the south on both days.

The Cold Front is Coming!

However, hold onto your hats! A cold front is on track to sweep through South Texas by Wednesday morning. This will bring about cooler temperatures later in the week. After hitting the upper 70s on Wednesday, we may see a drop to the mid-40s by Thursday morning, followed by highs only in the low to mid-70s as the week progresses. Unfortunately, this cold front also means we should expect continued dry air and low rain chances for the foreseeable future.

With a drought tightening its grip on our area, it’s important to keep an eye on our resources and stay informed on the weather as we navigate these tricky conditions. Hold tight, San Antonio—better days are hopefully ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Red Flag Warning in San Antonio and South-Central Texas
Texas Prepares for Winter Weather Challenges
Red Flag Warning for Texas: Wildfire Risks Loom Large
San Antonio’s Weather: A Wild Ride This Week!
Severe Winds and Drought Cause Brush Fires in San Antonio
San Antonio Gears Up for Annual Spring Bloom Event
Middle-Class Dynamics in San Antonio Amid Local Events
San Antonio Braces for Wildfire Danger as Red Flag Warning is Issued
Urgent Red Flag Warning Issued for South Central Texas
February 2025 Weather Wrap-Up: A Rollercoaster for San Antonio

Additional Resources

• Express News: Exceptional Drought in South Texas
• Wikipedia: Drought in Texas
• KSAT: Drought Expands Across San Antonio Area
• Google Search: San Antonio Drought
• Fox San Antonio: SAWS Spring Bloom Event Amid Drought
• Google Scholar: Texas Drought Impact
• News 4 San Antonio: Water System Hosts Drought Event
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drought in Texas
• Axios: Drought and Water Restrictions in San Antonio
• Google News: San Antonio Water Restrictions