Drought Information Statement for South Texas Valid October 4, 2024 Issued By: NWS Corpus Christi, TX Contact Information: sr-crp.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated by November 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 continue Streamflows remain below normal for much of 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): All of South Texas with the exception of Webb county Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: much of the Coastal Bend and Coastal Plains No Change: Portions of La Salle and McMullen counties Drought Improved: Portions of Webb, La Salle, Duval, and McMullen counties Precipitation Locations west of Highway 281 saw near normal rainfall through the month Locations east of Highway 281 saw below normal rainfall. South Texas Rainfall Temperature Temperatures were slightly above normal over the past week Looking at the past month, temperatures were near 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: Scattered thunderstorms improved moisture in parts of the district. Temperatures continued to be in the 90s, and drying conditions persisted. Field preparations continued for most operations. There were a few wet spots, but for the most part soil moisture conditions were drier than desired. Rangeland and pasture conditions remained good for most operations, but dry conditions were impacting growth. Armyworms showed up in some fields and pastures. Fall tillage was underway for corn fields. Acres planted for winter pasture were expected to be low this year due to an abundance of hay. Livestock continued to do well where grass was available and forage management was good. Fall cattle working continued, with large numbers being sold at area sale barns. South: Conditions were seasonably hot, with lower humidity and little to no rain reported. Some areas reported moderate weather conditions with cooler temperatures in the morning and highs reaching 90 degrees throughout the day. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were short to adequate. Row crop farmers continued to work their ground in preparation for next year’s crop. Cotton harvest was complete in some counties and continued in others. Sesame harvest was complete or neared completion. Peanuts were maturing and close to harvest. Citrus was doing well and fruit continued to mature, and there were reports of fruit fly activity on citrus. Fall corn was in excellent condition, and cool-season vegetables looked good. Hay fields were under irrigation and nearing the next cutting. Forage producers were hoping for one more cutting and were on the lookout for armyworms and other pests. Some pastures were yielding fairly well and in good shape, while rangeland and pasture conditions were slowly declining due to a lack of rainfall in some areas. Beef cattle producers continued to provide supplemental feed in some areas that lacked adequate grazing. Cattle prices remained high and steady. Wildlife were receiving supplemental feed and were a little more active despite the heat. 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 Flows are below to much below normal across much of the region. Reservoir Pool Elevation (ft) Current Elevation (ft) Choke Canyon. 220.5 189.00 Lake Corpus Christi 94.0 83.56 Lake Texana 44.0 42.1 Coleto Creek 98.0 96.21 Canyon Lake 909.0 888.73 Lake Amistad 1117.0 1051.43 Reservoir values as of Oct 4, 2024 Soil Moisture | Crop Moisture Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture is normal across South Texas. Moisture levels increase as you near Deep 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 October Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Near to slightly below normal chances for precipitation through October Above normal chances for temperatures in October Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal drought outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought conditions are not expected to develop over the next 3 months.