Texas suffered its fifth worst drought during 2005.  This was also our worst drought since the 50’s.  Before someone claims these are the end times or this is some kind of proof of global warming, understand that it has been much worse many times over the last two centuries.  In fact, the three worst droughts in Texas all took place between 1899 and 1921.  Also of note is that 2004 was an excessively wet year for us with annual precipitation more than double the average.

At present, much of the state is a tinderbox hoping no one lights a match.  Today, there were more than 20 wildfires throughout the state, including a few within the DFW metroplex, and we had smoke covering the area all day long.  At least two towns were completely razed by flame.  Thousands of acres (more than 22,000 just today) have already burned and we are expecting weather conditions to remain favorable to fires for at least another week.  In truth, it will probably last longer than that.  Sadly, there has been loss of life and property that now seems only a precursor of things to come.

Like Oklahoma, Texas is in a very dry weather cycle at present.  Humidity levels remain below 20% (sometimes significantly below that mark), winds are often strong and directionally variable, and lack of precipitation has turned everything into a dry fire-supporting mess.