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San Antonio Faces Extreme Drought, Rain Chances Improve

Aerial view of San Antonio showing dry landscapes and low lake levels as drought conditions prevail.

News Summary

San Antonio is experiencing severe drought conditions, trailing behind in rainfall significantly. The Edwards Aquifer is dangerously low, and severe dry spells have impacted local agriculture and businesses. However, forecasts suggest rain and thunderstorms could bring much-needed relief to the area next week, although local flooding is a potential concern.

San Antonio Faces Extreme Drought, But Rain Chances Improve Next Week

San Antonio is feeling the heat! With over two months gone by since the city last enjoyed nearly an inch of rain, locals are beginning to worry. Right now, San Antonio is trailing behind by more than 3 inches of rainfall for the year, and conditions are looking pretty dire across the region.

People are noticing that the drought is not just a minor inconvenience; it is expanding and intensifying. The beloved Edwards Aquifer, an essential water source for the area’s residents, is now more than 40 feet below its normal level for March. To add to the woes, lake levels in the area are at historic lows, and the weak river flow feeding into local lakes is making matters worse.

Rain on the Horizon?

Though the situation seems bleak, there might finally be a silver lining on the horizon. According to meteorological forecasts, a change in weather patterns is expected come next week, bringing promising rain and thunderstorm opportunities. The first taste of potential relief is anticipated from Sunday night into Monday, thanks to a weak cold front rolling through. Though it might be a bit of a gamble, there is a chance of isolated to scattered showers or thunderstorms—it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on!

But that’s not all! A significant upper low is projected to develop along the subtropical jet stream by mid-next week, ramping up moisture and enhancing storm dynamics. The outlook looks even better for Thursday through Friday, as that’s when the highest rain chances are forecasted to arrive. Just remember, while severe weather isn’t expected, we could encounter some localized flooding if slow-moving storms decide to stick around. Expected rainfall amounts could range from 1 to over 3 inches in some locations, which would certainly be a welcomed addition to parched grounds.

Drought Conditions on the Rise

5.99 inches of rain, which is a staggering 13 inches below the average rainfall for that time. This puts the city in the books with the third-lowest rainfall total historically for that span, which is definitely alarming!

It’s not just the city that is feeling the pinch; counties like Bexar, Medina, Bandera, Kendall, and Comal are also grappling with exceptional drought conditions. Local farmers have been hit hard, with some like one farmer mentioning that he has seen his weeds dying off due to the harsh weather. This has even affected local businesses, such as corn mazes that were unable to open last fall.

Though the upcoming rain might provide a temporary rise in aquifer levels, experts from the Edwards Aquifer Authority have indicated that it won’t have a lasting impact. Since 2019, this region has been running about 60 feet short on rainfall, equating to a whopping two years’ worth of rainfall lost over the past three years. That’s quite a dry spell!

What’s Next for San Antonio’s Weather?

Looking ahead, the weekend will start with a chilly Friday morning as temperatures dip into the low 40s, but it’ll warm up to the delightful upper 70s by the afternoon. Saturday, however, will be dry with temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 80s. Then, as mentioned earlier, a 20% chance of storms might make its way into San Antonio late Sunday night and into early Monday.

After the cold front passes, temperatures on Monday will be in the upper 70s to low 80s, making way for another sunny and warm Tuesday. Fingers crossed for a good soaking—San Antonio certainly could use it!