Despite the cooler temperatures at the start of the month, weather forecasters predict much warmer temperatures closer to those that are usually experienced during the height of the summer season. 

In addition to the below-normal temperatures seen recently in the past few weeks with few days being over the triple digit mark, not much rain has fallen in the area. Lake levels stand less than 10 feet lower than their normal water levels. 

In Frsico, Lavon Lake, which serves Collin County as well as surrounding Dallas and Rockwall counties with prime boating, fishing and fresh water, stands a bit over half full (or empty depending on your train of thought) at 51.7% as of August 8th. On the other hand, Lake Lewisville is nearly 100% full, just a five foot deficit. 

These lakes are roughly 20 miles apart from one another. Clearly, the weather fronts that pass through the metroplex struggle to bring much needed water to the eastern counties to raise their water levels. 

However, further south towards Austin and San Antonio, area lake water levels struggle to retain their water. The Colorado River Authority shows that Lake Travis, commonly known as Lady Bird Lake, is 37% full. Similarly, Buchanan Lake stands as a mere 39% capacity. 

The lack of rain this summer places much as Dallas and Tarrant counties between drought categories 2 and 3, that is, hovering between severe and extreme drought, with the worst being exceptional drought out in the panhandle. 

DFW forecasters originally expected this summer, and this year overall to be a dry one. Many local news agencies such as CBS and The Dallas Morning News outlined their predictions earlier this year towards the end of winter/beginning of spring. So far, many of their predictions have rung true to recent weather patterns during the past few months.  

Typically, the total rain fall level by August is about 24 inches However, for 2014, Dallas stands at 14 inches. In July, Dallas received 1.58 inches of rain. On average, Dallas should receive 2.51 inches for the seventh month of the year. It’s true that July on average doesn't garner as much rain compared to the other months, but what does this 1 inch deficit mean for the rest of the year?

An average August receives 3.57 inches. A look of the Dallas area forecast reveals that forecasters don't expect rain for maybe the next week. Temperatures will rise to the 100s for the weekend with blue skies this weekend. However, don't be fooled by the cloudless skies since the heat index will make it feel even hotter outside. 

Remember to stay cool!