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Drought Persists Across Texas

U.S. Drought Monitor

The latest outlook on the drought shows Texas is drier this week than last. The U.S. Drought Monitor says almost 89 percent of Texas is in drought.

In Travis County, the drought ranges from moderate to severe. The Highland Lakes that supply Austin with water are 41 percent full. David Walker at the Lower Colorado River Authority says their worst-case scenario could see lakes drop to their lowest level on record this year.

“At that point, we would cease all supply for agriculture and begin to curtail firm customers such as municipalities, industries, power plants, things like that,” Walker said.

A new long-range forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts below-average rain in our region over the next three months. That said, there is a chance of rain in the forecast over the next few days.

Nathan Bernier is the transportation reporter at KUT. He covers the big projects that are reshaping how we get around Austin, like the I-35 overhaul, the airport's rapid growth and the multibillion dollar transit expansion Project Connect. He also focuses on the daily changes that affect how we walk, bike and drive around the city. Got a tip? Email him at nbernier@kut.org. Follow him on Twitter @KUTnathan.
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