Drought Information Statement for South Texas Valid September 1, 2024 Issued By: NWS Corpus Christi, TX Contact Information: sr-crp.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated by October 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 more areas of South Texas Below normal rainfall across the region for August Above normal rainfall expected for the region through September 1 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): La Salle, McMullen, Webb counties including portions of Duval Coastal Kleberg, Coastal Nueces, Coastal San Patricio and Coastal Aransas counties Recent Change in Drought Intensity Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: much of the Brush Country and Coastal Bend No Change: remainder of South Texas. Drought Improved: None Precipitation Most of South Texas saw below normal rainfall with most locales generally in the 0.01-2.00” range. A few pockets in the northeastern region saw over 2”. South Texas Rainfall Temperature Temperatures were slightly above to much above normal over the past week Looking at the past month, temperatures were near to slightly above normal Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Low reservoir levels contributing to water restrictions Agricultural Impacts Coastal Bend: Hot, dry weather continued in the Coastal Bend with no significant rain, leading to declining topsoil and subsoil moisture. Corn and rice harvests were nearly complete, with corn yields ranging from 130-150 bushels per acre. Cotton harvest was 95% finished, with some areas delayed by rain. Hay fields were being cut and baled, but the harvest slowed due to dry conditions. Pastures were deteriorating and browning without rain. Pecan trees were shedding nut clusters prematurely. Livestock remained in good condition despite the dry weather. Cattle prices were holding steady at historic highs. South: South Texas experienced hot and dry conditions, with temperatures reaching 100-110 degrees daily. Rangeland and pasture conditions deteriorated due to the lack of rain, increasing fire risk. Cotton harvest continued, but poor lint quality led many producers to shred and plow fields instead. Citrus crops showed signs of heat and drought stress, while forage availability declined, prompting some ranchers to reduce stocking rates. Supplemental feeding was necessary, and hay cutting and baling continued. Farmers began planting fall vegetables and preparing fields for winter crops. Livestock water remained critical, and topsoil moisture declined. Despite the heat, beef cattle prices stayed strong, and wildlife appeared to be coping well. Summary of Impacts 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: Normal to above normal flows Brush Country: Below Normal flows Reservoir Pool Elevation (ft) Current Elevation (ft) Choke Canyon. 220.5 189.73 Lake Corpus Christi 94.0 83.83 Lake Texana 44.0 43.2 Coleto Creek 98.0 96.99 Canyon Lake 909.0 884.77 Lake Amistad 1117.0 1048.55 Reservoir values as of Aug 1, 2024 Soil Moisture | Crop Moisture Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture is normal across South Texas Crop moisture is severely dry across South Texas Fire Hazard Impacts Burn Bans in place across portions of South Texas Normal significant wildfire potential through September Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Approximately conditions here 1-4” of rain is forecast over the next 7 days Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Slightly above normal chances for precipitation through September Slightly above normal chances for temperatures in September 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 over the next 3 months.