Drought dire in parts of Texas

Associated Press

July 07, 2009 04:47 pm

— LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Parts of Texas are beginning to look like they did in the 1950s.
Nationally, Central and South Texas were alone Tuesday in experiencing the two most severe stages of drought — extreme and exceptional. About 11 percent of the state is in those categories as of June 30, up from 8 percent the previous week.
Burn bans are in effect in 139 of the state's 254 counties, and forecasters don't see much chance of relief ahead.
Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and Houston are baking, and water restrictions never before used in the Alamo City could be days away.
Usually, it's West Texas that's hot and parched. But much of the region is faring well compared to parts of the state south of a line from Del Rio to Waco to Houston.