RAIN IMPROVES STATE’S DROUGHT CONDITION

  

New data shows heavy rains this month across much of Texas have significantly improved drought conditions in the state.

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Drought Monitor map  shows Texas with no areas in either extreme or exceptional drought, the two worst categories.

About 16 percent of the state was experiencing extreme drought while another 5 percent was facing exceptional drought before rains arrived last weekend that brought flooding to several regions.

More than 84 percent has no drought, with about 28 percent of that being abnormally dry, which isn't considered a drought category.

Moderate to severe drought is concentrated primarily in North and East Texas, with a band extending into Central Texas and southward.

A year ago, about 51 percent Texas was abnormally dry or drought-free.