Wharton County’s cotton harvest is coming up, but the heat and drought stress are causing problems for the crops. Dryland crops are suffering the most. This year, cotton acres in the county decreased by 36% compared to last year due to the challenging conditions. The heat and lack of moisture are taking a toll on the plants, leading to a great deal of stress. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association reported that local heat records were almost broken four times this year. On July 17th, the temperature reached 101°F, just one degree below the record set in 1951.