In fact, the normally dry month of August in both years was far wetter than usual, and flooding occurred in October of both years. If the La Nina drought-related conditions follow the expected pattern, the National Weather Service predicts that the state will remain drier than normal through May and then return to normal in the summer of 2000. As always, the only thing that will end drought conditions is a return to normal or above normal rainfall conditions for an extended period of time, or the impact of a major tropical storm or hurricane. In the meantime, Texans can expect the impact of drought from now through the early spring of 2000, with all the ramifications of crop losses, wildfire and water supply problems. Meteorologic Drought - Appears and disappears first and is the result of below normal precipitation.
Meteorologic drought is based on the percent average annual rainfall.
The Palmer Drought Severity Index is a related drought measure that also takes soil moisture into account. Following a prolonged period of below normal precipitation, soil moisture becomes depleted. As a result, vegetation dries, brush fires are common and agriculture and wildlife are under major stress. Hydrologic Drough t - Develops as stream flow decreases and recharge to aquifers declines because of prolonged below normal precipitation and dry soil conditions. Demand for water by agricultural irrigators, homeowners and related functions increases, which sometimes cause system capacity problems.