DROUGHT

The conversation will focus on what we’ve learned about extreme weather in Texas and beyond — and what can be done about it.

This massive wall of flames from the Caldor Fire was captured by a firefighter at the Reno Fire Department as crews battle to protect a structure in South Lake Tahoe, California, on Aug. 30.

Stage one water restrictions go into effect for SAWS customers on Wednesday.

Just this week, a major Southern California water agency declared a water supply alert for the first time in seven years, and is asking residents to voluntarily conserve. Many of the state’s counties are already under a state of drought emergency.

Drought conditions gripping the western U.S. have driven down levels in water resources across the West.

San Antonio has seen more than half a foot of rain above average for late April to early June!

The family and representatives of Black men slain by the police met with senators and White House officials Thursday — and left optimistic that police reform could be approved by May 25, the anniversary of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Following a joint congressional address Wednesday night in which President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve reform by May 25, the families and their representatives met with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Here’s a look at the KSAT Weather Team’s list of the top 5 weather events of 2020:Number 5In June, a far away visitor that really seemed to capture the imagination of South Texans was the Saharan dust cloud. There was hope that hot weather might help keep COVID-19 at bay, but cases ramped up again in July. While weather may play a small role in how COVID-19 spreads, hot, dry weather did not seem to have much effect. A record number of named storms and a record number of landfalling storms were recorded in 2020. Three of the named storms brought impacts to Texas.

Even though Medina Lake is only 43% full, it is notorious for fluctuations. After the devastating 2011 drought, Medina Lake dried up almost completely through 2015, leaving people skeptical if the lake would ever fill up again. Meteorologist Justin Horne took a trip out to Medina Lake in 2014 to show the drastically low water levels which at times was only 3% full. At the time, the Medina Lake Spillway overtopped as heavy rains fell across South Texas. “Medina Lake has a small watershed and is used for agriculture, making it more susceptible to large fluctuations,” said Horne.

SAN ANTONIO – A lack of rainfall in 2020 has allowed drought conditions to worsen in South Texas, culminating this week. The latest Drought Monitor, which was released on Thursday and takes into account drought conditions through November 10th, has placed parts of Uvalde, Zavala, and Dimmit counties within an “exceptional drought," the highest drought level. What is Exceptional Drought? So, what does it mean to be within the “exceptional drought” category? Many other cities around South Texas are in the same situation.

The ten-day rolling average of the level of the Edwards Aquifer, measured at the J-17 well, has dropped below 660 feet as of Thursday morning. Utilities who utilize the aquifer use the criteria to trigger restrictions on water use. Stage 1 restrictions will go into effect on Friday for SAWS customers. These restrictions apply to all Edwards Aquifer groundwater permit holders authorized to pump more than three acre-feet annually. Like SAWS customers, those who use New Braunfels Utilities will be assigned a watering day based on their home address.

Drought conditions may lead to water restrictions soon in San AntonioIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

6/21: Pope Francis takes on the mob; Why are coffee prices rising? Pope Francis takes on the mob and brands its members an example of "the adoration of evil"; and, Drought in Latin American and the Caribbean is causing the price of coffee to rise worldwide.