Drought

Trout grown at a hatchery in Monroe County were a little smaller than usual due to slightly reduced water flow in area streams as waterways had not fully recovered from last summer’s drought. WNEP (Moosic, Pa.), Feb 27, 2025

The South Carolina Drought Response Committee dropped the drought declaration for six counties, leaving 26 counties in incipient drought. WPDE (Conway, S.C.), Feb 27, 2025

A Wichita gardening business, anticipating continued drought in 2025, was growing different plants this spring, favoring vegetables, fruit bushes, and herbs, while planting fewer perennial bedding plants and annual bedding plants. A Wichita businessman who remodels pools and spas warned that if the city were to enter stage 3 water restrictions, which prohibit outdoor water use, except for food-producing gardens and certain businesses, that people would not be able to fill their pools, which would likely adversely affect business. KWCH 12 (Wichita, Kan.), Feb 26, 2025

Growers in the Texas Winter Garden and lower Rio Grande Valley were dealing with the difficulties of water shortages and market fluctuations. The lower Rio Grande Valley, in particular, urgently needed water. AgriLife (Texas A&M), (College Station, Texas), Feb 25, 2025

While water levels throughout the Great Lakes continued their natural, gradual seasonal decline in the autumn, drought conditions in certain regions of the Great Lakes accelerated the water level decline in some of the lakes. Water levels in each of the Great Lakes, except for Lake Erie, were currently below long-term monthly averages. At the beginning of February and also for this time of year, Lake Superior was the lowest it has been since 2013, Lakes Huron-Michigan were the lowest since 2014, and Lake Ontario was the lowest since 2003. Lake Erie levels were the lowest since 2014, although they remained about 1 centimeter, or 0.39 inches, above the long-term average. Marine Link (Easton, Ct.), Feb 25, 2025

Plentiful precipitation over the past couple of weeks has allowed the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to end the drought watch advisories for 28 localities in the state, including counties in the Northern Coastal Plain, Shenandoah, Southeast Virginia and York-James. A drought watch advisory remained in effect for the Eastern Shore, Northern Virginia, and for parts of the Northern Coastal Plain and Shenandoah regions. Augusta Free Press (Va.), Feb 24, 2025 A drought watch remained in effect for Virginia counties in the northern and eastern parts of the state. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Nov 8, 2024

All outdoor burning has been banned in Charlotte County due to the current drought conditions and the elevated fire risk. The use and discharge of fireworks and sparklers was also prohibited. Other counties with burn bans included Collier, Sarasota, Glades, Hendry and Highlands. WGCU 90.1 FM Fort Myers (Fla.), Feb 25, 2025

Scattered rainfall in the Coastal Bend ranged from 0.75-3 inches, with temperatures varying throughout the week and a potential freeze in the forecast causing concern. Soil moisture remained marginal, and subsoil moisture was inadequate despite recent precipitation. Wet conditions delayed fertilizer applications and spraying. Corn planting began but was put on hold due to cold weather concerns, while sorghum planting remained minimal. Pastures were beginning to green up, but growth was slow and inconsistent, with more rain needed. Hay supplies remained adequate from the strong spring 2024 season, but the dry winter has posed challenges. Livestock supplementation with hay and mineral tubs continued, and cattle conditions started to decline in some areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 19, 2025

Conditions in South Texas fluctuated in terms of temperature with very warm to cool days. Mornings were foggy and afternoons were clear. No significant rainfall fell, except for Dimmit County which reported light rain over two days. Drought conditions continued to persist with no rain in the forecast. Topsoil and subsoil conditions were very short. Row crop producers continued planting corn and grain sorghum as they tried to take advantage of whatever soil moisture remained. Cotton planting should follow soon. Citrus harvest continued, and producers reported minimal damage due to last month’s freeze. Some citrus trees were beginning to show new blooms for the coming year. Leafy greens were being harvested. Range and pastures remained in poor condition. Winter weeds were thriving in some areas and provided some grazing for beef cattle and wildlife. Beef cattle producers continued supplementing their herds with hay, range cubes and molasses/protein/mineral tubs. Local markets remained strong with above-average offerings and steady prices for all classes of beef cattle. Beef cattle producers continued thinning herds amid dry conditions and to take advantage of good market prices. Feed prices were still high, and hay demand continued. Ranchers and deer producers continued to supplement their livestock and wildlife, with some producers supplying water to their ponds for cattle and wildlife. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 19, 2025 South Texas temperatures were as low as 38 degrees at night with daytime highs in the 70s. No measurable rainfall was reported, though some areas reported fog and morning dew. Topsoil moisture conditions were still poor in most areas with some reports of adequate conditions. Most parts of the district needed additional rain to prepare for the upcoming planting season. Farmers and row crop producers prepared fields to plant corn and sorghum in hopes of taking advantage of adequate soil moisture. Planting should pick up over the next few weeks, with a few farmers planting corn already. Citrus producers continued to harvest and evaluate potential damage to fruit and trees after the recent freeze. Oat fields continued to progress and were in excellent condition. Onions and other vegetables looked good and recovered from the freeze while leafy greens showed signs of freeze damage. The local water irrigation canals remained closed with no available water for the local agriculture due to water scarcity in the Rio Grande River. Range and pastures continued to suffer due to the recent freeze with most pastures displaying burnt tops. Standing forage was dry and was posing a fire danger. Conditions were very tough on livestock and wildlife with the wet and cool weather and poor range and pasture conditions. Producers continued to supplement livestock diets with hay and protein, and some producers were hauling water. Some cattle producers burned prickly pear for their cattle. Hay was in high demand, resulting in price increases. Feed costs were also high at local stores. One local beef cattle market reported above-average sale volumes after the winter storm prevented the previous week’s sale. Feeder calf prices continued to climb and were at an all-time high. Prices on cull cows and bulls were strong as well. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 4, 2025

Central Texas received a widespread rainfall of 0.5-2 inches, which improved topsoil moisture conditions. The district experienced a significant drop in temperatures due to a strong cold front dropping temperatures into the mid- to upper 30s, with wind chills making it feel even colder. More cold fronts were expected, potentially bringing even colder air and a widespread freeze. These fluctuating temperatures and precipitation patterns could impact winter wheat and oat crops, which were heading out. The cold snaps may slow crop development and affect overall yield potential. Some limited corn planting had begun, but overall planting was later than normal. Additionally, pasture and range conditions were mostly poor to fair. Producers were monitoring forage availability and considering supplemental feeding strategies. Low stock tank levels and stream flows were reflective of little runoff. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 19, 2025 Central Texas received heavy to scattered rainfall with amounts ranging from 0.5 to 5 inches, and many areas received 1-3 inches of rainfall. The last two weeks brought chill hour numbers closer to average, but all crops could still use more chill hours. Wheat, oats and small grains benefited from the moisture, but many fields were struggling. Native pastures were holding, but cool-season grasses looked stressed. Some tanks filled due to rainfall. The cattle market was up, and the sheep and goat market remained steady. Supplemental feeding continued for livestock. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 4, 2025

The Texas Panhandle experienced several cold snaps with small amounts of snowfall adding small amounts of moisture to the topsoil. Overall soil moisture was reported as very short to adequate. Evapotranspiration rates were greatly reduced with each cool spell, which helped conserve soil profile moisture. However, precipitation amounts were slipping below long-term averages, which could impact small grains and cover crop production, especially under limited irrigation or dryland conditions. Producers applied composted manure to small grains fields, but those fields will need rain to benefit. Winter wheat crops were mostly poor. Livestock continued to receive hay and protein. Pasture and range conditions were reported from very poor to fair. Overall crops were poor to fair. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 19, 2025 The Panhandle experienced warmer conditions. Wheat progressed and showed some growth due to moisture from the most recent wintery mix of precipitation. Farmers distributed composted manure, especially on forage fields harvested for silage in the fall. Supplemental feeding of cattle continued. Overall, soil moisture was short to adequate. Pasture and range conditions were very poor to fair, and crops were in poor to good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 4, 2025 Overall soil moisture in the Panhandle was short to adequate. The district received 4-8 inches of snow that should benefit topsoil moisture. Planted small grain fields had emerged and were making good progress; however, recent dips in daytime temperatures will slow the rate of growth. Fields planted as cover crops needed additional moisture. The supplemental feeding of cattle continued. Pasture and range conditions were poor to fair. Overall crops were poor to fair. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 22, 2025

Far West Texas needed rain to improve soil moisture and range conditions. There was no winter moisture this year to help drought conditions. Fieldwork continued, primarily to keep the topsoil from blowing in the high winds. Multiple days of 15-plus mph winds have caused dust storms throughout the region. Much of the wheat was dying due to lack of moisture. Very few irrigated fields remained, and they did not look good. Pastures were very bare, with no winter weeds or grass. Livestock were in fair to poor condition, and lambing began. El Paso County farmers were preparing land for cotton or alfalfa. Pecan producers were pruning trees and preparing orchard floors, and some elected to irrigate early this year due to additional water availability. Temperatures were warmer than normal, which could affect pecan trees if the typical late freeze happens. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 19, 2025 Far West Texas experienced another week with no moisture. Weather was mostly seasonal with above-average temperatures extending into the mid-80s. Extremely high winds up to 51 mph caused dust storms throughout the district, further drying out soil moisture and causing topsoil erosion late in the week. Fieldwork was ongoing to keep fields from blowing. Dryland wheat fields were in poor condition, and even some irrigated wheat looked poor due to lack of water capacity. Pecan harvest continued in some areas. Many fields remained dry and hard. Pastures were bare and dry. Grass and winter weeds were still in poor condition. Cattle and other livestock remained in relatively good condition, as producers continued to provide supplemental feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 4, 2025 Far West Texas needed rain to improve soil moisture levels and rangeland conditions. Extremely cold temperatures with lows in the upper teens were reported. Daytime highs still reached the mid-60s. Extremely high winds approaching 50 mph caused a dust storm over a large area. Damage assessments in wheat were expected to be taken during coming weeks. Only about 60% of planted wheat fields had emerged, and about 70% of that had not tillered. All cotton was harvested and much of the crop had been ginned but many modules were still waiting. Fieldwork was beginning in preparation for the upcoming growing season. Pecan harvest was winding down. Livestock were in fair condition, and producers were increasing supplemental feed to maintain body conditions through the cold spell. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 22, 2025

Some parts of West Central Texas reported trace amounts up to more than 1 inch of rain, and temperatures were colder than normal throughout the week. Most of the region was dry heading into spring planting, but fieldwork continued. Wheat and oat fields remained very short, and almost all fields were being used for grazing. Some spring forage was maintained on the minimal moisture availability. Pastures needed rain for the cool-season forbs and grasses. Winter grass started to grow in some areas. January and February weather added some much-needed chill hours to plants and trees. Cattle conditions were fair to good. Most stock tanks were still full, and supplemental feeding continued. Ranchers were feeding a lot of hay while waiting for wheat to improve. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 19, 2025 Parts of West Central Texas received scattered rain that delivered trace amounts up to 4 inches with several areas reporting at least half to 1 inch, but all areas needed more moisture. Rainfall in some areas was heavy enough to fill livestock tanks. Temperatures were unseasonably warm. Growth in small grain fields stalled due to drought, but the recent rains should help some fields. Oats turned yellow after the cold snap. Some wheat fields were still in good condition but needed rainfall. Pastures were dry and needed good rain before spring green up. Livestock continued to rely on heavy amounts of supplemental feed. Many producers were grazing cattle on wheat. Most cattle looked in fair to good shape. Some producers were repairing frozen pipes from the recent cold snap. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 4, 2025 Conditions remained very dry in West Central Texas. Days were warm with cool nights, but very cold weather was in the forecast. Producers’ preparations for the cold weather were underway. Recent snow and rain brought good moisture for winter pastures and winter wheat. Many areas received trace amounts of rain up to 0.75 inch. Winter wheat and other cool-season forages benefited from recent moisture, with stocker cattle grazing. Some winter wheat was in fair to poor condition and needed additional moisture. Stock tanks were running low, and grazing options were limited in some areas. Supplemental feeding of livestock increased drastically due to the lack of grazing in some areas. Livestock were in good condition despite the conditions. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 22, 2025

Rain was received, which should help Southwest Texas pastures and provide moisture for upcoming row crop plantings. Temperatures fluctuated, with rainfall ranging from trace amounts up to 1.25 inches. Colder temperatures, including a hard freeze and precipitation, were expected this week. The freeze may temporarily set back early germinating warm-season plants, though no major damage was anticipated. Livestock conditions remained good. Cattle and sheep prices were high, and producers were managing the cost of winter feed. Supplemental feeding and livestock number reductions continued regularly. Spring lambing, kidding and calving were ongoing. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 19, 2025 A cold front brought moisture, with rain shower totals ranging from 0.5 to 2 inches. Some areas reported flowing rivers. Warmer temperatures over the weekend should help pastures green up. Further freeze damage was being observed in rangeland and some small fruit trees. Overall, range and pasture conditions remained dry. Cool-season forages were baled, and cool-season range plants were showing late winter to early spring growth. However, little forage growth had occurred due to cool weather conditions. Winter wheat emerged and was in good condition. Livestock markets remained steady to high. Some gardeners began preparing for spring planting. Producers continued to reduce livestock numbers. Lambing and kidding were underway. Livestock were receiving supplemental feed and were in mostly fair to good condition. Warmer temperatures were expected next week. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 4, 2025 Conditions remained very dry across most parts of Southwest Texas. The cold front delivered 0.30-1.5 inches of precipitation, with no runoff reported. Rivers were flowing slightly more compared to the previous week. Temperatures warmed slightly, with lows in the 40s at night and daytime highs in the upper 50s. Although temperatures had returned to more mild conditions, a hard freeze was reported on back-to-back days, causing minimal damage. Dry conditions contributed to declining pasture and range conditions. Small grain plantings had largely failed due to insufficient rainfall. While some tall grass remained in pastures, winter weeds were absent, and standing grass lacked in nutritional value for livestock. Dry conditions combined with high winds increased wildfire risks. Lambing and kidding began under cold temperatures, and supplemental feeding of livestock had resumed. Livestock body conditions remained fair to good overall. A strong arctic front was expected to bring frigid conditions but limited precipitation. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 22, 2025

The Rolling Plains was in desperate need of rain to replenish soil moisture and support both crops and livestock. Forecasts of potential rain have not materialized. Cattle grazing wheat were still in good condition, but most were receiving hay and supplements to bridge the gap of insufficient wheat growth. Drastic temperature swings also put stress on the wheat crop. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 19, 2025 The Rolling Plans experienced dry conditions and needed rain. The lack of rainfall put significant stress on the wheat crop. In addition to crop concerns, cattle diets were being supplemented with hay due to insufficient winter wheat and pasture growth for grazing. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 4, 2025 Farmers across the Rolling Plains reported a fair to good wheat stand. Given the late planting, very few stocker calves were turned out on wheat pastures so far. Cattle looked good, but supplemental feeding of hay and cubes was increasingly necessary as pasture grazing declined. Everyone was thankful for the snow received, but much more precipitation will be needed in the coming weeks to provide adequate topsoil moisture for wheat. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 22, 2025

The Schuylkill County Municipal Authority, serving 30,000 residents in Pottsville and 21 other municipalities, last week asked customers to continue to limit their water usage until further notice. The seven reservoirs that the authority uses for its water supply were at an average of 66% of their total storage. The seven deep water wells were all low as rainfall has been low since the summer. The Schuylkill Haven Municipal Authority, serving about 3,300 customers in the borough, Cressona and some of North Manheim Township, also recently reiterated a plea for water conservation by its customers, asking for a 15 percent reduction. Republican Herald (Pottsville, Pa.), Feb 19, 2025

The snow water equivalent at Webster Flat was 35% of the median on Feb. 14, worrying local water authorities. While the swe has risen slightly, this is still the driest year to date for the past 131 years in iron County. To prepare for lower water supplies this year, the Central Iron County Water Conservancy District issued a press release urging all water customers to conserve water. St George News (Utah), Feb 18, 2025

For the Big Island’s water haulers, the drought has been demanding as they have been delivering water daily since November. There is no water access point in Hamakua, so the driver must fill up in Pahoa and drive to Hamakua, making a four to five hour delivery time. Honolulu Star-Advertiser (Hilo, Hawaii), Feb 18, 2025

Pasture conditions have worsened on the north, southeast and southern sides of the island, according to the senior service hydrologist for the NWS in Honolulu. Honolulu Star-Advertiser (Hilo, Hawaii), Feb 18, 2025

Stage 3 water restrictions began in Corpus Christi on Monday, December 16 due to the combined low levels of Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir, which were at 19.9% of capacity on December 11. Under Stage 3 restrictions, landscape watering was prohibited, as was washing any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, or other vehicle at home. The city will expand the capacity of the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, end non-essential water use across city facilities and parks, and bring in more water from Eastern reservoirs. KRISTV NBC 6 Corpus Christi (Texas), Dec 12, 2024