Drought Information Statement for West Texas & Southeast New Mexico 
Valid 09/2/2024
Issued By: WFO Midland/Odessa
Contact Information: sr-maf.webmaster@noaa.gov
This product will be updated October 2, 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/maf/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. 

U.S. Drought Monitor
DROUGHT CONDITIONS WORSEN FOR WEST TEXAS AND SE NM.

Drought intensity and Extent
D4 (Exceptional Drought): Portions of Culberson, Jeff Davis, and Presidio Counties.
D3 (Extreme Drought): Extending south through Eddy County into Culberson, Jeff Davis, and all of Presidio counties. Portions of the Davis Mountains down into the Big Bend.
D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of Terrell and Reeves counties as well as areas along the Pecos River Valley. 
D1 (Moderate Drought): Portions of Lea County, much of the Permian Basin, as well as Pecos and Brewster counties. 
D0: (Abnormally Dry): Portions of the Permian Basin and Lower Trans Pecos

Recent Change in Drought Intensity
Link to the latest 1-week change map for [region]
One Week Drought Monitor Class Change. 
One class degradation across the Trans Pecos and portions of the Permian Basin.
Isolated areas received a two class degradation from recent heat.
Image Caption: U.S. Drought Monitor 1-week change map valid 8am EST August 27th. 

Precipitation
Most of the area saw well below normal precipitation for August with only isolated areas along the Rio Grande seeing wetting rains. 

Temperature
Temperatures were a few to several degrees above average for the month of August for the entire region. August sees the peak and subsequent decline of average temperatures during the year. 
Image Captions: 
Left - Average Temperature
Right - Departure from Normal Temperature
Data Courtesy High Plains Regional Climate Center. 
Data over the past 30 days ending August 31, 2024
Abnormal warmth or coolness can play a role in the rate of evaporation and thus accelerate or slow drought development and spread. If you feel this is currently playing a role, you can include this slide, otherwise leave it skipped. 

Summary of Impacts
Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter
Hydrologic Impacts 
Most area rivers and tributaries remain near baseflow.  Area reservoirs are at 46.5% conservation capacity.  See next page for more details.
Agricultural Impacts
Per Agrilife Texas A&M Crop and Weather Report, Livestock in fair to poor condition. Cotton and sorghum struggled with the extended heat and dry conditions of August. Corn was near completion.
Fire Hazard Impacts
Fire weather impacts will be low through the summer given generally lighter winds. Lightning starts may be possible with isolated storms over the mountains. 
Other Impacts
There are no known impacts at this time.

Mitigation Actions
Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information.

Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts
The Colorado and Delaware Rivers, as well as Independence Creek, are normal to above normal.

All other river and tributary basins are below to much below normal.

Midland Monthly Hydrology Report for July

August Rainfall


Image Caption: USGS 7 day streamflows for Texas, 
valid 31 August 2024
Reservoir Pool 
Elevation 
Current Elevation 
% Full
JB Thomas
2258.00
2223.70
16.5
Colorado City
2070.20
2054.62
39.7
Champion Creek
2083.00
2066.61
51.7
Natural Dam Salt Lake
2457.00
2447.29
48.4
Moss Creek
2337.00
2331.48
76.0
Brantley
3256.70
3246.03
45.0
Avalon
3177.40
3175.04
57.0
Red Bluff
2827.40
2810.97
37.5

Agricultural Impacts
Soil moisture continues to rank below the 10-20th percentiles across much of West Texas and SE NM with the worst conditions over the Marfa Plateau and along the Rio Grande. 
During the past month, crop moisture has become noted as being excessively dry as below normal precipitation has occurred.
Image Captions: 
Left: CPC Calculated Soil Moisture Ranking Percentile valid Aug 30, 2024
Right: Crop Moisture Index by Division. Weekly value for period ending Aug 24, 2024


Fire Hazard Impacts
The potential for significant fires across the region is above normal to near normal after an extended period of heat and little rain for August. 
With monsoon season beginning to pick up, lightning starts may occur across the higher elevations.  

Image Caption: Significant Wildland Fire Potential Monthly Outlook for September 2024
Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center.
Latest TX Burn Ban map available here.

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast
Measurable precipitation remains possible areawide over the next week with the highest amounts likely seen over the eastern Permian Basin and down across the Lower Trans Pecos. 
Without continued and consistent rainfall, drought conditions will continue. 

Image Caption: Weather Prediction Center 7-day precipitation forecast valid Sunday Sept 01 to Sunday Sun 08
Use a polygon to highlight your region if using this WPC QPF map. 

Drought Outlook
The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage
The outlook for September is a somewhat positive one as cooler temperatures and a good chance for wetting rains is in the forecast for the first half of the month. Drought conditions look to improve slightly, but still remain.
Image Caption: 
Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Released 08 31, 2024 valid for 09 2024