Back in midsummer, it was expected that an El Nino weather pattern would bring a wetter than usual winter to Texas, especially the western areas of the state where the recent drought plagued farmers. An update now suggests the outlook is drier than previously predicted, an Associated Press story notes.
Texas looked like it would have a strong El Nino in July, but that phenomenon has weakened in the months since, National Weather Service meteorologist Victor Murphy said.
"What seemed like a sure fire El Nino . . . sputtered and fizzled," he said.
West Texas ranchers like Chad Lemke are still holding out hope.
"It is an educated guess, so we're going to hope that they're wrong," Lemke said, referring to the latest forecast. "It's up to the good Lord, not to the meteorologists."
The now normal level of rainfall predicted for the winter months will do little to speed recovery from the drought.
One West Texas farmer said that's why he's not just hoping for rain this winter.
"I want one of those snowfalls about a foot deep in December," said Barry Evans, of Kress.
Locally, this means that the Highland Lakes are hardly expected to refill in time for summer aquatic fun.