Houston recovers from 2011 drought

HOUSTON – While our weekend soaking may not have been the most convenient thing for many of us, it did all but put a nail in the coffin for the drought we experienced for the majority of 2011.

The widespread 3- to 5-inch rainfall between Friday and Sunday took most of southeast Texas out of what was left of the drought that plagued the area last year. 

So far in 2012, Houston has gotten nearly 16 inches of rain, which is double the rain of a normal year. 

While 2012 is still young, the abundant rain has been very good news for farmers and others who depend on it for their livelihoods.  What remains to be seen is whether or not this trend continues into the summer months, when drought conditions really mushroomed last year.  So far, the long-range outlook calls for near normal to slightly dry conditions along the Gulf Coast into the summer.  If it proves to be accurate, we should be able to avoid a repeat performance of 2011.