Drought Information Statement for South Texas Issued By: NWS Corpus Christi, TX Contact Information: sr-crp.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated May 7, 2024 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/crp/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. April 2, 2024 Valid 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for South Texas Majority of South Texas is drought free Drought intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): None D3 (Extreme Drought): None D2 (Severe Drought): None D1 (Moderate Drought): Western Brush Country D0: (Abnormally Dry): Southern and Eastern Brush Country Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for South Texas Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: Southern and Eastern Brush Country No Change: Coastal Plains and Coastal Bend Drought Improved: Far Northern Brush Country South Texas Rainfall Precipitation Overall, below average rainfall was observed through March. A few locations were near average with those spots seeing 1.5-2”. Temperature Temperatures were slightly above normal for March 2024. Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts Low reservoir levels contributing to water restrictions Agricultural Impacts Coastal Bend: The region received 1 inch to 3 inches of rain, helping crops and pastures grow. Rangeland and pasture conditions improved significantly due to recent rainfall. All corn had germinated and was progressing well. Rice planting continued. Most pecan trees began to leaf out. Crops across the county are in exceptional shape and have improved with the recent rains. All corn and grain sorghum were planted and looked good. Most cotton was up, but there was concern that freshly planted cotton before the rain might have to be replanted. Livestock were beginning to show signs of improved condition. Calves were growing well. Cattle prices were still at historic highs and going higher. Cattle remain in good condition. Some livestock producers continued supplemental feed South: Rain fell across the district, allowing rangeland and pastures to slightly green up. Strawberry plants were in full production. Growing conditions have been nearly ideal for row crops, pastures, and small grain crops. Producers were completing the onion harvest. Cantaloupe season was in full swing. Citrus and vegetable harvest continued. Forbs provided excellent grazing for cattle and wildlife. Livestock prices were holding steady but have recently seen a slight increase in cow and bull prices. Body conditions continue to improve for all types of livestock and wildlife. Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Fire Hazard Impacts Low to moderate fire danger at this time Other Impacts Corpus Christi under stage 2 water restrictions Laredo under stage 2 water restrictions Alice under stage 2 restrictions Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. USGS 7-Day Avg Streamflow | Texas Reservoirs Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Normal to below normal flows across all of South Texas Reservoir Pool Elevation (ft) Current Elevation (ft) Choke Canyon. 220.5 192.1 Lake Corpus Christi 94.0 85.50 Lake Texana 44.0 43.9 Coleto Creek 98.0 98.1 Canyon Lake 909.0 887.3 Lake Amistad 1117.0 1050.9 Soil Moisture | Crop Moisture Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture remains below normal across the Northwest Brush Country. Near normal soil moisture for the remainder of the area. Fire Hazard Impacts Burn Bans in place across portions of South Texas Normal to below normal significant wildfire potential through April Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Above normal temperatures for April Above normal precipitation for April. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal drought outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought is likely to persist across the Northwest Brush Country.