San Antonio hasn't seen measurable rain for about a month and a half, and the coming months aren't likely to bring much relief.

Why it matters: As the drought worsens, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is close to enacting stage 5 water restrictions — which means San Antonio would have to cut back further on drawing from the aquifer.

The big picture: Most of Bexar County is experiencing severe drought conditions, per the U.S. Drought Monitor. But areas northwest of Bexar County, which help recharge the aquifer, are seeing extreme drought, a level worse.

• The San Antonio Water System has diversified the city's water supply, but the utility still relies on the Edwards Aquifer for more than half of San Antonio's water.

By the numbers: Today is expected to mark the 48th day in a row without rain, the longest stretch since 2015, according to SAWS.

What they're saying: "We hear some people saying that summer is over and assuming that means an end to the drought," Karen Guz, SAWS vice president of conservation, said in a statement last week.

• "This drought isn't over."

How it works: The EAA enters stage 5 restrictions when the 10-day average at the J-17 Index Well is less than 625 feet above mean sea level.

• The aquifer stood at 625 feet as of yesterday, per the EAA.

Yes, but: If the EAA enters stage 5, SAWS has enough from other water sources to remain in its current stage 3 restrictions, spokesperson Anne Hayden tells Axios.

Context: SAWS customers have been in stage 3 watering restrictions since the summer, when the City Council approved rule changes.

• Stage 3 rules allow for once-a-week landscape watering from 5-10am and 9pm-midnight.

What's next: December to February is expected to be both warmer and drier than average in San Antonio, per the annual NOAA winter outlook released last week.

Go deeper

When many people are looking forward to sweet corn at the peak of summer, another cuisine is ripening at the same time: huitlacoche — a misunderstood corn fungus that's overlooked in the U.S. but considered a delicacy in parts of Mexico.

Why it matters: Farmers throw infected ears out, but some dining and agricultural experts say they should embrace the earthy fungus.

What it is: Huitlacoche, sometimes known in the U.S. as "corn smut," is a common fungal disease that grows on crops over the summer season, producing a lumpy, white mold that eventually turns black.

• In taste, it's similar to a mushroom, but more bitter than a portobello, with a deep, earthy flavor.

It's a popular cuisine item in Mexico City and states like Puebla and Oaxaca.

• It is often served in tacos, quesadillas and moles, but there are also more fanciful interpretations served in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Huitlacoche is a delicacy because you can't plan for it. It's fickle to grow it in a lab, says Alison Robertson, a field crops pathologist at Iowa State.

Zoom in: Huitlacoche can be found on menus in San Antonio.

• Cuishe Cocina Mexicana, which has locations in Stone Oak and St. Paul Square, serves it in a lightly fried quesadilla and adds it to a corn mix for esquite negro. 
• Naco's Mexican Eatery, which has a brick-and-mortar near Pearl, offers the delicacy in a taco with asada or as a vegetarian quesadilla.

Worthy of your time: Huitlacoche Is Misunderstood, but It Should Be Prized

Tell a foodie

📱 The city of San Antonio will no longer remove or hide comments on Animal Care Services' Facebook page after a national free speech group criticized the practice. (KSAT)

A business partner of Suzanne Simpson's husband was arrested this week and charged with tampering with evidence. 

• The third-degree felony is related to the case of the Olmos Park real estate agent who's been missing since Oct. 7. (Express-News 🔒)

🥩 Two historic buildings across from the Majestic Theatre on Houston Street have sold to new owners. One of them will become a second location for Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse. (SA Report)

A spring full of colorful yards and roadways might seem like a far-off prospect, but it's time to start thinking about Texas wildflowers now.

Driving the blooms: Fall is the ideal time to plant wildflower seeds in preparation for spring, per the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Zoom in: Native wildflowers like bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes need colder soil temperatures to germinate.

• Ideally, they need rainfall too. But in the drought, appropriate watering will work, per TPWD.

TPWD offers these steps to plant wildflowers in your yard:

• Pick a spot that doesn't have preexisting turf, or remove the turf.
• Scatter the seeds by hand. Pro tip: Smaller seeds are easier to handle when mixed with sand, using one part seed to four parts sand.
• Rake or pack in the seeds, ensuring they are about 1/8 inch deep. They will still need the sun to germinate.

How often to water

👋 Megan here, ready to round out your Wednesday with a jolt of sugar and caffeine. 

Dig in: I recently stopped by Press Coffee at The Enclave in Castle Hills after a small hike at Phil Hardberger Park. 

• I've long been a fan of the Press location near Brackenridge Park and was excited to see the interior is an equally fun space.

The vibe: A couch, large armchairs, art and fun Halloween decorations deck out the Castle Hills space. 

🎃 What to drink: A pumpkin spice cold brew with vanilla cold foam ($6). 

• This one is pretty sweet, but I love the cold foam movement that's been making its way around coffee shops. 

The bottom line: It's nice to enjoy a cold fall drink while it's still hot outside.