Drought

Inconsistent rain forecasts have led to conspiracies about a rain-blocking dome that covers the city. The truth lies in an age-old fault.

The Camp Mabry weather station recorded 5 inches of rain from last week's storms. The precipitation “tipped us over the scale for the month of May,” one meteorologist said.

The cities of Kyle and San Marcos and Texas State University will likely have to find ways to further reduce their water use.

Meteorologists are forecasting another hot summer, though it may not be as bad as some recent scorchers.

The ongoing drought in Central Texas impacted wildflower sprouts through the fall and winter. A different variety of wildflowers could crop up.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning from noon to 9 p.m. Friday due to a combination of strong winds, warm temperatures and low humidity in the forecast. Another warning is in effect for most of the day Saturday.

Fall foliage typically kicks off in mid-to-late October and peaks by late November, but record heat this fall delayed Austin's fall colors to the very end of the year.

An ongoing drought in Texas has worsened the condition of the local aquifer and has impacted the river's water levels. Even with some rain on the forecast, Gov. Greg Abbott's disaster declaration for elevated wildfire risk is still in effect.

As climate change accelerates, Austin's hot, dry summer will likely continue further into the fall.

Austin Water hired consultants to look at how the city combats water loss and to offer new solutions. Meanwhile, the amount of water it loses keeps going up.