Despite a series of early summer storms and showers, Central Texas has begun to dry up once more under a barrage of extreme heat.
In June, a sample of 38 weather stations across the state recorded a temperature at or above 100 degrees 250 times — the fifth-greatest monthly total for that month in the past three decades, according to a Texas Tribune analysis of National Weather Service data. While this summer’s heat has yet to exceed last summer — the second-hottest summer on record, by average temperature — harsh conditions have made it difficult for local waterways to replenish from last year’s drought. As a result, surrounding environments, including plants and foliage, have become increasingly dry.
Low water levels pose a significant concern for groundwater dependent communities, such as Wimberley, and the underground aquifers they rely on.
“The Wimberley Valley received only half the average rainfall for the year, which impacted groundwater recharge, spring flow, and rivers,” said David Baker, executive director of The Watershed Association. “Jacob’s Well stopped flowing for 35 days in 2022. Low spring flow created water quality concerns at Jacob’s Well and downstream at Blue Hole, which led to Jacob’s Well Natural Area and Blue Hole Regional Park suspending swimming.”
Jacob’s Well did not reopen to swimmers this year for continued low flow and bacterial concerns.
Many counties have reimposed burn bans over the last few weeks to prevent dry conditions from leading to wildfires. A burn ban was enacted in Hays County last week after the Vineyard Hills Fire in San Marcos burned approximately 85 acres.
