By Bill O'Neil
Could global warming be the cause behind the drought that has gripped the state of Texas over the last couple of years? The experts will tell you the region is actually lagging behind most fo the rest of the globe over the last century when it comes to the rate at which temperatures have been rising.
"That's thought to be--at least accoring to computer models--due to natural variability working
toward lowering temperatures at the same time changes in atmospheric composition are leading toward higher temperatures" said Texas state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon before a joint legislative commitee hearing focused on the drought--and preparing for the state's water needs in the future.All in all though--no matter the cause--Nielsen-Gammon said we are getting deeper into historic territory all the time.
"If Texas is still in drought through the end of the Summer--we will surpass the 1915 to 1918 drought--and move in to second place on the list." still, he said there are some little victories to be found.
"The forecast for the next seven days is fairly promising--with a couple of rain events for the state."
