NEWS
As cool temps flow into Texas, heat stifles southwest
Excessive heat and red flag warnings were in effect across portions of the southwestern United States on Monday as a blistering heat wave persisted across the region. The grueling heat stretch allowed numerous high-temperature records to fall — and some locations were already ranking among the top-five 115-degree days in a year.
The warnings come just in time for the official start to summer, with several months of heat ahead for the region. Given that, residents of the Southwest may already be wondering when relief from the heat will arrive, especially as fire dangers loom large over the region with high winds and dry conditions elevating concerns.
AccuWeather forecasters say some relief may soon be on the horizon as the annual North American monsoon season could begin in early July.
“We’re expecting a good monsoon, not a top-five producer, but I believe it will be much better than last year,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok. “It will hammer down in spots, but it won’t end the drought.”
William Heinz parks his vehicle on a newly revealed piece of land due to receding waters at the drought-stricken Folsom Lake in Granite Bay, Calif., Saturday, May 22, 2021. California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency for most of the state. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
The North American monsoon is triggered when high humidity persists for three days in a row. The annual event is marked by a change in wind direction that can trigger persistent rainfall or a lengthy period of dry weather.
Pastelok said that the real monsoon could begin in early July, but some may argue the weather event’s true beginning.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
The monsoon is expected to be pretty persistent throughout July, with thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, Pastelok added. There could be some lulls in August, he said.
Pastelok expects the monsoon to yield largely positive outcomes. The monsoon could help to fill up some of the riverbeds and reservoirs in the Southwest, he said, and the downpours could also help to extinguish some of the rampant wildfires.
“Any type of moisture source during this time is needed,” Pastelok said.
The Bowie News office will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the Christmas holiday, and Dec. 30 and Jan. 1.
There is an early deadline of 4 p.m. on Dec. 27 for the Jan. 1 Bowie News for all news and ad items.
Your Jan. 1 edition will be delivered to the mail and racks one day earlier due to the New Year’s holiday. We hope you have a great Christmas week.
Your Bowie News staff wishes you the blessings of a wonderful Christmas as you enjoy time with family and friends. Our offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the holiday.
Montague County Commissioners wrapped up a few items before the end of the year as they met on Dec. 23.
Grant Coordinator Charley Lanier asked the court to go ahead and obligate $276,961.84 from the American Rescue Funds to complete the new wastewater treatment plant that will serve the courthouse complex.
He explained Dec. 30 is the last date where grant funds can be obligated, and he did not expect any issues since this project had already been approved in court using ARPA funds, he called it a “safety net,” to avoid any problem and possible return of the funds to the federal government.
Montague County has about $276,961.84 in grant funds which has not been allocated.
The court gave approval on the request.
Lanier also asked the court to apply for a grant for a tire cutter. Funded through the Nortex Regional Planning Commission and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the application will ask for $26,865 to purchase a larger gas-powered cutter on a trailer, which can be moved around for use. It would cut the larger tires into four pieces, which would be allowed into a landfill. Lanier said if the cutter comes through the county would need to obtain a permit for its use from TCEQ, which he added should not be an issue.
Commissioner Mark Murphey said he picks up more tires abandoned on the county roads than he disposes of at his own yard, adding he probably has 500 at his yard. The court gave approval to apply for this competitive grant.
The remainder of Monday’s brief meeting were year-end items. Bonds for the justice of the peace one, county clerk, county attorney, district attorney, sheriff, commissioner three and constable two were accepted.
A cooperative agreement with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the county was approved, along with a license and services agreement with Local Government Solutions to provide software for both justice of the peace officers. The county attorney’s Chapter 59 Asset Forfeiture report was presented with no new seizures or forfeiture.
-
NEWS2 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS1 year agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS2 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS2 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS1 year agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
NEWS2 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
NEWS2 years agoBowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
-
NEWS2 years ago
Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint