Recent rains ease drought concerns locally

Reports indicate between 6-8 inches of rain fell on parts of county last week

This wetland along J Road and just south of Highway 34 near the Giltner Spur has been filled up by recent rains to the point that, by one estimate, more than 100 acres is now underwater.
This wetland along J Road and just south of Highway 34 near the Giltner Spur has been filled up by recent rains to the point that, by one estimate, more than 100 acres is now underwater.

While all of Hamilton County remained in the D2 Severe Drought category this week according to the latest National Drought Monitor map released on Thursday, frequent and sometimes abundant rain showers over the past several weeks have added inches of moisture locally.  Compared to the first quarter of 2026 when no rain gauge in Hamilton County reported more than 3/4 inch of moisture, the diff…