Tropical rainfall recently removed drought conditions from portions of Houston, Trinity and Liberty counties, along with most of Polk, Tyler and Hardin counties. The changes followed the passage of tropical system Edouard across East Texas after August remained largely hot and dry.
Rainfall estimates exceeded 20 inches near Tyler County, an area that also recorded the greatest drought improvement. In the Brazos Valley, precipitation totals differed sharply from east to west, with about 7 inches reported near Trinity County and only a trace in the westernmost counties.
The latest drought assessment showed limited improvement across much of the Brazos Valley. Areas ranging from unusually dry to moderate drought remain widespread, particularly where Edouard had less impact farther west.
Heat and humidity are expected to continue through the weekend. Isolated storms each day could provide temporary relief in some locations.
Residents are advised to monitor county burn bans and conserve water by limiting outdoor watering to twice weekly while avoiding daytime watering. Leak reports and updates are also encouraged. Further details about specific local rainfall totals were not provided.
