From KJAS

As deep East Texas continues to bake in record breaking summer heat, fire danger is quickly rising along with our drought level which prompted the Jasper Couty Commissioners Court to place the county under a burn ban on Monday.

Without a measurable rainfall in nearly two months, our area is now in the lower levels of drought according to both the Keetch-Byrum Drought Index and the National Drought Mitigation Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Tyler County and Newton County are currently not under a burn ban.

As of Monday afternoon, scattered thunderstorms associated with a weak cool front were pushing southward toward our area. Unfortunately, what little rain they may bring will only be a temporary break from the heat and not much to break the drought.