Heat, Drought, and Wildfire: Brooks County's Main Weather Risks

Brooks County weather can feel quiet until drought, heat, and wind line up. Then the mesquite and grass country can burn fast.

NWS Brownsville points to the June 2011 Brooks County fire as the lesson. After nearly nine months of record drought, a ranch vehicle likely sparked a fire in northwest Brooks County. It grew to 32,000 acres before rain and lighter wind helped crews contain it.

Burn bans are current-condition rules. Texas A&M Forest Service says counties can restrict outdoor burning when drought conditions exist, and it keeps a statewide burn-ban map. Check that map before burning brush or debris.

For day-to-day weather, NWS Brownsville posts hazardous weather information for Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.