Texas drought sparks new burn ban. How is San Antonio impacted?

The first few weeks of 2025 haven’t brought much-needed rainfall to South Central Texas.

This week’s drought monitor still shows ongoing drought across the area. In fact, Bexar County commissioners reinstated the burn bans due to continuously dry conditions.

While the burn order is in effect, dry conditions could lead to potential brush fires in the unincorporated areas of Bexar County.

During the order’s duration, residents in unincorporated areas are allowed to burn domestic waste in a certain barrel. However, during dry conditions it is still recommended to avoid tall dry grass or bushes while driving, performing outdoor welding, cutting or grinding.

With another burn ban in affect for 90 days in Bexar County, here’s what that mean for us and our drought:

Drought worsens

It’s no secret that we need rain. The last time South Central Texas was completely drought-free was in early September 2021 — that equates to 1,247 consecutive days.

Thanks in part to this year’s La Niña stretch, drought conditions have been persistent across portions of South Central Texas for two years now.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the drought monitor across the state from the end of January 2024 versus the end of January 2025. What a difference!

Here is a closer look at what the latest drought monitor looks like across South Central Texas as of Jan. 30, 2025.

While areas surrounding Bexar County are experiencing extreme drought, just a quick drive away in another direction shows lesser drought conditions.

Remember, exceptional drought is the most severe classification, factoring in elements like precipitation, reservoir levels, soil moisture, vegetation health and streamflow.

Rainfall statistics

January 2025 wasn’t anything special. We were in the middle of records for more days with or without precipitation.

Much of the local area saw below-normal rainfall since August 2024.

How does this affect our reservoirs?

The Edwards Aquifer, along with the lakes, reservoirs and rivers of South Central Texas, continue to experience the impact of the ongoing drought and insufficient rainfall.

Here’s an update on the current water levels:

Any chances of rain in the future?

Looking ahead, isolated rain chances are expected to return as soon as this weekend, with a pattern shift and better chances of rain becoming more likely by early next week.

The latest outlook issued by the Climate Prediction Center is still calling for a drier-than-average February. While we won’t see enough rain to get out of the drought, humidity will be on the rise and the air will be quite muggy, making it feel as though rain is imminent.

We’ll keep you posted for any updates to come!