Drought Information Statement for South Texas Valid August 1, 2024 Issued By: NWS Corpus Christi, TX Contact Information: sr-crp.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated by September 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.. Abnormally dry conditions return to the Northern Brush Country Above normal rainfall across the region Above normal rainfall expected for the region through August 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): Northern La Salle and McMullen counties Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: Northern La Salle and McMullen counties No Change: All of South Texas. Drought Improved: None Precipitation A large amount of South Texas saw above normal rainfall with abouts generally in the 2-8” range. The majority of this rainfall came during late July when a system moved slowly through the region. The most significant rain occurred during a 6 hour period where Padre Island received 11.63”. South Texas Rainfall Temperature Temperatures were slightly below normal over the past week Looking at the past month, temperatures were near to slightly below 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: Rain in the district stopped most corn and sorghum harvesting, which allowed grass and weeds to take over fields not harvested. The rain was beneficial, but it also halted hay, corn and rice harvest. The rain since Hurricane Beryl’s landfall caused some crop damage, including stalling corn and sorghum harvests and causing sprouting in some sorghum plants. The corn harvest should be complete as soon as fields dry out. Range and pasture conditions were good, and producers have reported the best production so far. Cattle remained in excellent condition, and market prices were high South: The district received varying amounts of rainfall ranging from 0.5-5 inches and experienced cooler temperatures, which improved pastures and other crops in most areas. Corn harvest continued while sorghum was reaching maturity and was expected to be harvested this week. A few areas where rain fell the hardest halted harvest, but producers will begin again as soon as the fields dry. Sunflower, peanut and sesame crop conditions were good, and watermelon harvest was complete in some areas. Cotton crops overall were in good condition and harvest was in progress, except in a few counties that were halted due to rains. Producers were reporting some rust mite damage in citrus, but crops looked fair overall. Hay fields continued to be cut and baled in most areas. Pasture and rangeland conditions were good. Cattle were reported in good condition, and cattle markets were still very strong. 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 Coastal Bend: Much above normal to high flows Brush Country: Normal flows Reservoir Pool Elevation (ft) Current Elevation (ft) Choke Canyon. 220.5 190.6 Lake Corpus Christi 94.0 84.9 Lake Texana 44.0 43.9 Coleto Creek 98.0 97.7 Canyon Lake 909.0 885.9 Lake Amistad 1117.0 1048.8 Reservoir values as of Aug 1, 2024 Soil Moisture | Crop Moisture Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture is now above normal across the Coastal Bend Fire Hazard Impacts Burn Bans in place across portions of South Texas Normal significant wildfire potential through August Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Slightly above normal chances for precipitation through August Equal chances for above or below normal temperatures for August 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