Valley Braces for Heat, Rain Shift Ahead

The Rio Grande Valley is expected to experience a hotter-than-average summer, with moderate to major heat risks anticipated. Forecasters predict a drier-than-normal pattern will persist through at least mid-September, although isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible.

A potential shift towards wetter conditions is forecast for late summer into the fall. This change is attributed to a moderate-to-strong El Nino and typical regional climate patterns, as September and October are historically the region's wettest months.

Despite recent rains from April to June, which eliminated drought conditions, Amistad and Falcon international reservoirs remain near record low levels. This situation is expected to continue through September, necessitating ongoing water use restrictions for agricultural and municipal purposes.