Summary: 29% of the state is in exceptional drought, the worst drought category. La Niña conditions are getting stronger with the fall and early winter favoring a continued La Niña advisory. The Climate Prediction Center projects 14 to 21 named storms, of which 6 to 10 might become hurricanes.
Author: Robert Mace
Robert Mace is the Executive Director and Chief Water Policy Officer at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and a Professor of Practice in the Department of Geography at Texas State University. Robert has over 30 years of experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, stakeholder processes, and water policy, mostly in Texas.
climate+water: An aspiring climate scientist
What does an older member of Generation Z think about climate change? How does improving climate literacy and finding a balance between scale and individual engagement help tackle these challenges? Hosts Robert Mace and Carrie Thompson speak with Nicolas Tarasewicz, who has been working at the Meadows Center as a Climate Change Program Associate, about his thoughts and perspective on the climate crisis as he prepares to embark on his PhD.
think+water: Naturally occurring radioactive materials in Permian produced water, COVID and water use patterns, and funding for colonias
This month we explore academic papers on the topics of evaluating the potential radiation risks associated with naturally occurring radioactive material wastes generated by the oil and gas recovery industry in the Permian Basin, investigating water use changes during the pandemic, and analyzing program outcomes and lessons learned on implementing first-time wastewater infrastructure in underserved communities in Texas.
outlook+water: 88% of state in drought, La Niña is expected to continue through the summer and maybe the fall, expect an active hurricane season
88% of the state is in drought with 14% of the state under exceptional drought conditions. La Niña is expected to continue through summer and, possibly, into the fall. Colorado State University predicts 19 named tropical storms (1991-2020 average = 14.4) with nine hurricanes (average = 7.2) and four major hurricanes (average = 3.2).
outlook+water: 90% Of State in Drought, Exceptional Drought in the High Plains, Drought Expected To Expand
90 percent of the state is in drought with the return of exceptional drought conditions in the High Plains. Exceptional drought—the worst drought category—has appeared in the High Plains. Dry conditions expected to continue.