Record-setting year for rain in Texas

2015 is ending with what promises to be a drought-free new year.  A change in the weather pattern moved Texas out of a drought and into what became a record-setting year for rain. 

The view of the Pedernales River from Sonny Dearing's backyard is a stunning sight.

"One of the things I enjoyed the most, and I didn’t think I really would, was seeing life on the river again,” said Dearing.

It’s not his first rebound from a drought.  In 2000.  Then, as well as will as a few months ago, you could literally walk across the Pedernales River and not get wet. Now, for Dearing,  it’s like the return of an old friend.

"I knew it was going to come back very nicely."

According to the Nnational Weather Service 2015 is officially the wettest year ever recorded at ABIA. The previous record dates back to 1957. Major increases in rain amounts were also measured across the State of Texas.

The journey back started with a promise, a forecast for a soggy weather cycle courtesy what's known as El Niño.

“It wasn’t a surprise; we've been talking about El Nino, which is the warming of the eastern pacific since earlier in the year,” said FOX 7’s Zack Shields.

Forecasting models indicate the new wet weather pattern may be the new norm.

"Meaning we could see 2 storm systems a week, so we'll stay in this rainy weather pattern, if that holds true our friends at the LCRA said by next Spring Lake Travis will be full,” said Shields.

Saying good-bye to the drought is certainly something to celebrate but there could be more flooding and winter storms on the horizon.

Another change that longtime residents like Sonny Dearing say is just part of living in Texas.