"Texas Drought Eases, But Is Relief in Sight for California?"

"Recent rain has brought much-needed relief to drought-stricken Texas. Is the relief more than temporary? "

"For the first time in almost three years, Texas is no longer suffering from 'exceptional drought' or 'D4' conditions.

On Thursday, the United States Drought Monitor, reported that only small pockets in central and northern Texas were still mired in 'extreme drought-D3' conditions as of Tuesday. Exceptional drought status is the worst designation the Drought Monitor can give – extreme drought is one step up on the five-step scale.

A recent spell of rain has improved conditions in Texas – the Houston area has received more than 10 inches of rain this week, and Corsicana received 11, the Associated Press reported. Lake Arrowhead and Lake Kickapoo, which primarily provide water for the city of Wichita Falls were back up to 50 percent of their combined water capacity on Tuesday following the rain."

Alexander LaCasse reports for the Christian Science Monitor May 14, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"El Nino Delivers Drought-Busting but Flooding Rain to Texas; California May be Next" (Accuweather)