The National Weather Service states Tropical Storm Ophelia's remnants are just over the Northern Leeward Islands in the Atlantic Ocean as of today. There is a 90 percent chance this system will develop into a tropical storm again as it moves to the west-northwest. Thus far the system is not near any huge land masses, but it could eventually reach the eastern United States.
Trailing behind Ophelia is Tropical Storm Philippe, which is forecast to turn north into the Atlantic and go out of harm's way. Ever since Hurricane Irene slammed into the East Coast, the Atlantic basin has been active with tropical systems. Luckily strong storms have avoided the mainland of the United States.
Forecasters predicted a more active than normal hurricane season this year. The Climate Prediction Center proposed as many as 19 named storms this year. Philippe is No. 16 on the list with another two months to go in hurricane season.
The Houston Chronicle reports all of these tropical systems haven't done the exceptional drought in Texas any good whatsoever. After Sept. 24, the chances of hurricanes hitting the Texas coast are very low in terms of historical numbers. The last late-season hurricane to make landfall in the Lone Star State was Hurricane Jerry in 1989.
The entire state of Texas is covered in a severe drought or worse. If anyone needs a huge dowsing storm from the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, Texas is a prime candidate. They weren't so fortunate this year as most tropical systems stayed away from the southern United States. Tropical Storm Lee made landfall over Louisiana and only brushed the eastern edges of Texas.
Places like Dallas, Austin and Del Rio have set records for the most 100-degree days in one year. Dallas has had 70 days at 100 degrees or greater, eclipsing the old record of 69 set in 1980. Austin's Camp Mabry set a mark of 86 days that obliterated the old record of 69 set in 1925. San Antonio needs three more days to break 2009's record of 59 100-degree days.
The wettest months in Texas have already passed for this year and fall may not bring much relief. The drought will need inundating rain for at least a week to dissipate. Crop losses are already in the billions of dollars with cattle farmers taking their herds to be sold.
As hurricane season draws to a close, the exception drought may continue until at least next year for weary residents of Texas.
