Drought Information Statement for South Texas Valid July 12, 2024 Issued By: NWS Corpus Christi, TX Contact Information: sr-crp.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated by August 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.. No drought currently across South Texas Above normal rainfall across the region 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Drought intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): None D3 (Extreme Drought): None D2 (Severe Drought): None D1 (Moderate Drought): None D0: (Abnormally Dry): None Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: None No Change: All of South Texas. Drought Improved: None Precipitation Beneficial rains were felt all across South Texas, mainly due to the rainbands from Tropical Storm Alberto. A few locations across the Coastal Bend saw 8-10” of rain. Generally 2-4” were observed on average. South Texas Rainfall Temperature Temperatures were above normal over the past week. Looking at the past month, temperatures were near to slightly above normal. 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 (https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/) Coastal Bend: The district received varied rainfall amounts with some areas receiving up to 2.5 inches with minimal impact from Hurricane Beryl. Corn was in the dry-down stage, and harvest was almost complete with above-average yields. Rice looked good, and plants were headed in most fields. Producers completed sorghum harvest, and cotton was nearing harvest with early planted fields likely harvested soon. Late-planted cotton looked good and should yield well. Soil moisture conditions were good, but producers in some areas fertilized hay fields in anticipation of tropical rains. Pastures conditions improved considerably after Tropical Storm Alberto, but additional rain was needed to sustain conditions. Livestock were in good condition with abundant forages, and cattle prices remained above average. South: Weather conditions in the district ranged from mild to hot with little to no rainfall reported. Sorghum fields were maturing in most areas and ready to harvest in some locations. Corn harvest in most areas was progressing well and most fields should be harvested soon. Hay conditions were good, and producers were harvesting before rains from Hurricane Beryl. Sesame crops have not been harvested yet and bolls were beginning to open on most cotton crops. Watermelons and sunflowers were also being harvested and were reported to be in good condition. Pasture conditions ranged from fair to good condition and livestock conditions were good. Cattle markets remained strong in most areas. 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 (https://www.cctexas.com/) Laredo under stage 3 water restrictions (https://laredoutilities.com/water-conservation-program/) Alice under stage 2 restrictions (https://www.alicetx.com/2024/03/11/city-of-alice-enters-stage-2-moderate-drought-restriction/#/) Bishop under stage 2 water restrictions (https://southtexascommunitynews.com/stcn/bishop-under-stage-2-water-restrictions#gsc.tab=0) 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. 220.5 190.7 Lake Corpus Christi 94.0 84.4 Lake Texana 44.0 43.1 Coleto Creek 98.0 96.9 Canyon Lake 909.0 884.8 Lake Amistad 1117.0 1047.1 Reservoir values as of July 5, 2024 Soil Moisture | Crop Moisture Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture remains near to slightly below normal across the region. Fire Hazard Impacts Burn Bans in place across portions of South Texas Normal significant wildfire potential through April Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Slightly above normal chances for precipitation for much of South Texas for July. Equal chances for above or below normal precipitation for the Northern Brush Country and Coastal Plains for July. Above normal temperatures for July Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal drought outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought conditions are not currently in place and are not expected to develop.