Central Texas drought worsens

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map was released Thursday. With the ongoing lack of any substantial rain, most of Central Texas and the Hill Country is now in the "exceptional" drought catagory. The worst of the four drought catagories: moderate, severe, extreme, and exceptional. The rest of the Hill Country has reached "extreme" drought status.

Exceptional drought is rare. Only occurring once every 20 years. This drought started in May and June with unusually hot conditions and little rain. Year to date most areas have received less than half their normal amounts of rain.

According to the LCRA, September was the driest month on record. Rainfall was well below normal for October and November. 2008 was the fourth driest year on record for Austin Camp Mabry.