In my last column in the Sept. 1 issue, I had stated that as of Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, the temperature reached 100 degrees or hotter in San Antonio for the 60^th time in 2023. This had surpassed all previous records.

Well, according to the Houston Chronicle, as of Sept. 10^th, San Antonio had surpassed the 100-degree mark for a record 74 days. Meaning that from Aug. 27^th to Sept. 10^th, we had another 14 days out of 15 that were at 100 or above. According to extreme weather watch.com the last day of 100-degree weather through Sept. 22^nd was on Sept. 10^th.

Have we seen the last of 100 plus temperatures for the year? Let’s hope so. Have we seen the last of above normal temperatures for the year? According to our fearless weatherman Brian Bledsoe, the answer is no. The 14-day forecast through Oct. 10^th still shows the majority of Texas along with the Southeastern states to remain at above normal temperatures. If you want to see below normal temps, I suggest you plan a visit to the Pacific Northwest.

So, they say we have transitioned into a strong El Niño. During these periods, the jet stream drops lower and should give us wetter and perhaps cooler than normal temps across the lower part of the US while the northern half gets warmer.

So, when is this transition supposed to happen? It has been suggested that we begin to see real change beginning in November. However, many were also saying we would see a much higher incidence of tropical storms developing in the Atlantic and Gulf. As of Sept. 26^th, we are on Tropical Storm Philippe. The Gulf has been quiet.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the graphs show most of Texas and Louisiana in a curious shade of beige from Sept. 21 through Dec. 31. According to the map legend, this means the drought remains, but improves.

So, you ask, when are we going to get to the other side? Well, certainly not before Oct. 10! They say somewhere between Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. Here’s to hoping sooner rather than later!