By Kevin Jefferies
Hunt County – This summer could go down as one of the driest in almost 70 years. Hunt County was listed under the highest level of drought conditions as of this weekend. The conditions are measured by the Texas Forest Service. And with the unofficial close of summer Labor Day, not much room is left for improvement.
Less than three inches of rain fell in June, July, and August this summer. The 30-year average for the same timeframe is just over 9 inches of rain. Last summer, over 15 inches of rain fell during the same time period.
According to records kept since 1900, only the summers of 1924 and 1936 have been drier for Hunt County.
Surrounding counties are also listed under drought conditions, and burn bans remain in place for Hunt County and most surrounding counties. The ban outlaws the outdoor burning of trash or other items in any unincorporated areas of the county.