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SAN ANTONIO - The parched area between Austin and New Braunfels has reached an "exceptional" level -- the most severe drought category -- according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters, who reclassified the area Thursday, said there's little prospect for rain in the area, meaning nearby communities probably will succumb to exceptional drought levels.

"When I saw the area that came out, I was kind of surprised that Bexar County was not included in it," said Marianne Sutton, a Weather Service meteorologist in New Braunfels. "I wouldn't be surprised if in the next couple of weeks it expands even further."

The area has had less than half the usual rain this year and is headed into the driest time of the year.

The U.S. Climate Prediction Center expects below-normal rainfall through at least February.