Drought Information Statement for South Texas Valid November 3, 2024 Issued By: NWS Corpus Christi, TX Contact Information: sr-crp.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated by December 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.. Drought continues to expand across the region Above normal temperatures persist Generally below normal rainfall through October 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): Portions of La Salle, McMullen, Goliad and Victoria counties D1 (Moderate Drought): Portions of La Salle, McMullen, Live Oak, Bee, Goliad, Victoria, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, San Patricio, Nueces, and Kleberg counties D0: (Abnormally Dry): Portions of Webb, La Salle, Duval, McMullen, Jim Wells, Nueces, and Kleberg counties Recent Change in Drought Intensity Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: Portions of all South Texas counties No Change: Portions of Kleberg, Nueces, Jim Wells, and Duval counties Drought Improved: None Precipitation Near to below normal rainfall for all of South Texas Little rainfall through the month. However, a few selection locations across the Coastal Bend and Coastal Plains received 1-2” South Texas Rainfall Temperature Above to well above normal temperatures over the last 7 and 30 days. 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: Dry, unseasonably hot conditions persisted, with no rain for 60 days and temperatures still in the 90s. Soil moisture remained low, limiting fall fieldwork and bedding to lighter soils. Grain producers arranged fertilizer and seed for the new year, but winter pasture planting was minimal so far due to high costs and lack of moisture. Pastures were dormant and drying out, with some producers feeding hay to livestock. Hay remained plentiful, but supplemental feeding increased significantly in heavily stocked areas. Cattle remained in good condition, while numbers at area sale barns remained high. The pecan harvest started. South: Mild to warm temperatures continued with no rainfall reported, causing topsoil and subsoil moisture levels to decline. Temperatures ranged from the 60s to low-90s, and reports of roadside fires increased due to hot, dry conditions. Agricultural conditions were poor across many areas due to the lack of rain and no water in irrigation canals. Most crops were harvested, and fieldwork was mostly at a standstill. Peanut and sesame harvesting continued, and strawberry planting was near completion. Winter and fall vegetables were still being planted or harvested, with fall corn progressing well. The citrus harvest, and planting of onions and leafy greens continued. Forage producers made their last cuts for the season. Rangeland and pasture conditions varied, but many areas reported declining conditions. Stock tank levels remained low. Ranchers increased feed supplementation due to cooler nights and drought affecting grass growth, and beef cattle markets saw steady volumes with slight price drops. Calf and cull cow sales rose due to drought, with higher numbers of cattle sold at local auctions. Ranchers were selling calves early to benefit from higher prices on 400-500-pound calves, while feed prices remained high. 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/) Portland under stage 2 water restrictions (https://www.portlandtx.com/399/Drought-Management-Plan) 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) Rockport under stage 2 water restrictions (https://www.rockporttx.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/3440) Other South Texas communities under restrictions can be found here 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. However, a few select locations are near normal. Reservoir Pool Elevation (ft) Current Elevation (ft) Choke Canyon. 220.5 188.05 Lake Corpus Christi 94.0 82.56 Lake Texana 44.0 40.76 Coleto Creek 98.0 95.29 Canyon Lake 909.0 882.28 Lake Amistad 1117.0 1051.26 Reservoir values as of Nov 3, 2024 Soil Moisture | Crop Moisture Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture is near to slightly below normal across the region. 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 November Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Approximately conditions here 1-4” of rain is forecast over the next 7 days Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Links to the latest Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook. Summarize conditions and impacts here Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Equal chances for above or below normal precipitation through November Above normal temperatures expected through November Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal drought outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought conditions are expected to persist and continue to develop across South Texas over the next few months.