HOUSTON – Houston has tied an all-time record high on Thursday.

A temperature of 109 degrees was recorded at Bush Intercontinental Airport Thursday afternoon. This is the first time the temperature has been reached since August 27, 2011, according to the National Weather Service.

The hot dry summer is taking a toll.

While not as bad statewide as in 2011, Southeast Texas is bone dry and getting worse. The year 2011 is the benchmark for Texas drought. By the end of October, 94% of the state was in an extreme drought, and 78% was in an exceptional drought. Thursday’s update has 34% of the state in an extreme drought and 12% in an exceptional drought.

Exceptional droughts are classified as a once-a-generation drought, or droughts that normally occur once every 50 to 75 years. We’ve had two in Southeast Texas in the past 12 years after today’s classification.

The result of hot, dry weather:

What may seem unbelievable is June 1 we were drought-free in SE Texas. We’ve not gone 48 days without measurable in Houston.

Rainfall deficits:

An interesting note when comparing 2023 to 2011: This year, we had a great start when it came to rain. Our drought started in July. In normal summer years, we get sea breeze thunderstorms. We’ve had one or two days with a sea breeze that brought storms. This summer is not normal.

The year 2011 was dry at the start of the year, so you see larger deficits. Rain started falling in November.

Temperature comparison:

What is fascinating to me is the near-perfect match to date with days above 100 degrees. With the exception of Hobby Airport, we almost perfectly match 2011.

What we’re watching:

Various communities across Southeast Texas have imposed stage 1 to 3 water restrictions. Some counties are reporting grass and forage loss because of the lack of precipitation and high temperatures. Reservoirs are lowering but not as bad as in 2011.

There are a few chances of rain on the 10-day forecast but nothing that would put a dent in our current drought.