Volume 13 Number 6                                                                                             JUNE 2000

During June, many portions of Texas (10 out of 19 first order stations) experienced below-normal temperatures. The monthly mean temperature in Lubbock was 3.2 degrees below average. Only three temperature records were set or tied, with two of these occurring in Midland, and only three stations reached 100 degrees (Del Rio, El Paso, and Midland). Many parts of the state also received above-normal precipitation (11 out of 19 first order stations). El Paso had the greatest positive departure with 366% of their normal rainfall amount, and Lubbock received the most precipitation with 8.48 inches.

June began with warm temperatures for much of the state. On the 2^nd, a cold front extending from a low pressure system in the Midwest moved into Texas. This front stalled in the middle of the state before moving through on the 6^th, triggering showers and thunderstorms, and lowering temperatures into the 80's during this time period. On the 4^th, a tornado was reported near Weatherford, and portions of North Central Texas experienced flooding. Temperatures quickly warmed back into the 90's for much of the state on the 7^th and 8^th. This, combined with moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, contributed to the formation of more showers and thunderstorms from the 9^th to the 11^th.

On the 13^th, a cold front from the northwest moved just slightly into Texas, bringing precipitation to the western and central parts of the state. On the 16^th, another cold front moved into the Panhandle and stalled, dropping temperatures into the upper 60's and 70's. On the 17^th, Amarillo recorded a high temperature of only 66 degrees, and on the 18^th, Midland set a record low maximum temperature when they recorded a high of 72 degrees. This front also brought more rain to the western and central portions of Texas. Heavy rains and flooding occurred on the 18^th in parts of Val Verde and Edwards counties.

Temperatures once again reached into the 90's for most of the state on the 20^th, and remained there for the rest of the month. Two cold fronts reached the Red River area on the 20^th to the 21^st and the 26^th to the 29^th. However, they had little effect on temperatures and precipitation as both fronts stalled in North Texas.
 
 

Kerry Meyer (Undergraduate Assistant)

* Complete temperature data were unavailable. Temperatures are rounded to the nearest whole degree.

*HDD - Heating degree-day: Refer to the Monthly Average chart for a definition T = Trace (<0.005")

*CDD - Cooling degree-day: Refer to the Monthly Average chart for a definition M: Information not available.

The first days of June brought severe weather to West Texas destroying many crops, some of which could not be replanted. Cantaloupe and cotton crops were not expected to be replanted. Extension director Charles Neeb of Fort Stockton said the drought is still going strong. "The counties in the west are extremely dry. Even with light showers, we don't expect any real rain until September or August." The northern region, according to Extension director Randy Upshaw of Dallas, received up to four inches of rain which put the region over the million dollar mark in crop potential. "We will be able to get another cut of hay this season," Upshaw mentioned. "That is usually normal for this time of year, but we haven't seen it happen in a few years because of drought." The Rolling Plains also benefited from the first week's rains. The grasshopper populations were expected to be reduced from those rains.

By mid-June, the apple crop was suffering because it didn't receive enough chilling hours over the winter. "In order for apples to bloom," Extension agent Logan Boswell of Alpine said," they need 400 chilling hours from October to March." This year's crop received only 300 chilling hours. The lack of chilling hours causes blooms to become weak and light and results in improper leaf growth. Another problem with the apple crop is the potential of fire blight which is a bacterial problem affecting apples and pears, according to Extension horticulturist Dr. Larry Stein of Uvalde. "Some growers used Dormex which substitutes for about 200 chilling hours," he said. "Those who did were very pleased with the results, and those who didn't wish they had." The Rolling Plains received even more rain ranging from one-half inch to seven inches. District Extension director Galen Chandler of Vernon said," The mid-June rainfall was greatly needed, and the cooler-than-normal temperatures have been helpful." He also stated that range and pasture conditions have improved greatly within the past two weeks.

A successful watermelon harvest was apparent by the end of June. Extension horticulturist Dr. Larry Stein of Uvalde said Texas growers planted 35,000 acres of watermelons this year, ranking first in national production. The South Plains have also benefited from scattered showers. "Irrigated cotton is progressing well," district Extension director Jett Major of Lubbock stated. "Peanuts are flowering, and early planted fields are pegging. Corn is tasseling with the more mature fields beginning to silk." According to Scott Durham, district Extension Director in San Angelo, parts of West Central Texas received up to five inches of rain, and the pastures were starting to recover with good grass growth and the wheat harvest had been completed. "Livestock are doing better," he said. "Less feed is being used but tank water is still too low."

Darcy Dittman

Office of the State Climatologist
 
 

Material obtained from:

TAMU Extension Crop, Livestock and Weather reports
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monthly Weather Outlook for June 2000

From the Climate Prediction Center, the 30-day outlook for the month of July indicates 0-5% above the normal 33% probability of above-normal temperatures for the area north of an arc from just northwest of Big Bend to Port Arthur. Between the area south of this line and north of a line from Del Rio to Victoria, there is a 5-10% greater than normal probability of above average temperatures. The portion of the state south of this area has a 10-20% greater-than-normal probability of above-average temperatures.

Climatologists are forecasting 0-5% greater-than-normal probability of above-average precipitation for the area west of a line extending from Amarillo straight south to the Texas-Mexico border. The rest of the state is predicted to have normal rainfall amounts for July.

Past Weather Events in July

July 21, 1909: Hurricane. Velasco, Brazoria County. One-half of town destroyed, 41 lives lost; damage $2,000,000.

July 22-25, 1933: Tropical Storm. One of the greatest U.S. storms in area and general rainfall. The storm reached the vicinity of Freeport late on July 22 and moved very slowly overland across eastern Texas, July 22-25. The storm center moved into northern Louisiana on the 25^th. Rainfall averaged 12.50 inches over an area of about 25,000 square miles. Twenty inches or more fell in a small area of eastern Texas and western Louisiana surrounding Logansport, LA. The 4-day total at Logansport was 22.30 inches. Property damage was estimated at $1,114,790.

July 30, 1933: Tornado. Oak Cliff section of Dallas, Dallas County. Five killed, 30 injured; damage $500,000.

July 25, 1934: Hurricane. Near Seadrift, Calhoun County. Nineteen lives lost, many minor injuries; damage $4.5 million. About 85 percent of damage was in crops.

July 27, 1943: Hurricane. Near Galveston. Center moved inland across Bolivar Peninsula and Trinity Bar. A wind gust of 104 mph was recorded and Texas City; 19 lives lost; damage estimated at $16,550,000.

July 24-25, 1979: Tropical Storm Claudette caused over $750 million in property and crop damages, but fortunately only few injuries. Near Alvin, 43 inches of rain fell, a new state record for 24 hours.

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Rick Scott (Graduate Assistant)

Darcy Dittman (Undergraduate Assistant)

Kerry Meyer (Undergraduate Assistant)