"Texas is no stranger to big skies and bigger weather, but 2024 reset expectations. A new statewide analysis from Barcus Arenas finds that the Lone Star State endured one of its most extreme weather years on record, spanning record heat, a rare 100 mph derecho, a multi-billion-dollar hurricane, and the largest wildfire in Texas history. The study warns that volatile conditions once viewed as "once-in-a-generation" are fast becoming a predictable part of Texas life, with escalating human and economic costs."
"In May, a derecho tore across Houston with 100 mph winds, killing eight people and inflicting $1.2 billion in damage. In July, Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda County, causing more than $6 billion in losses, cutting power to 2.7 million residents, and contributing to 44 deaths. Months later, the Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Panhandle became the largest wildfire in Texas history, burning over a million acres and destroying homes and ranches."
Texas experienced extreme weather in 2024, including statewide record heat, a 100 mph derecho in Houston, a multi-billion-dollar hurricane, and a million-acre wildfire. El Paso recorded its hottest year at 69.9°F annual average and San Angelo endured 62 days over 100°F. The May derecho killed eight and caused $1.2 billion in damage. Hurricane Beryl caused over $6 billion in losses, cut power to 2.7 million residents, and contributed to 44 deaths. The Smokehouse Creek Fire burned over one million acres and destroyed homes and ranches. Frequency and severity of extremes are increasing, raising human and economic costs. Texas's population (31,290,831) and area (268,596 sq miles) expose many communities to overlapping hazards.
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