Drought

Subsoil moisture levels in North Texas were adequate to short, and topsoil was short and very short. Pasture and rangelands were mostly fair to good with some counties reporting very poor to poor. Lack of rain combined with high temperatures created dry, dusty conditions, and pastures and vegetation suffering. Despite the drought environment, livestock were in good condition. Most crop fields were harvested or baled for hay. The corn harvest concluded. The grape and fig harvests continued, and grain sorghum was expected to begin soon. Grass growth in pastures was lower than expected, considering ample spring/early summer moisture. Irrigated okra was producing well. Armyworms affected some locations, but populations were declining due to hot and dry conditions. Grasshoppers affected pastures, and leaf hoppers created cosmetic damage to grapes. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 The hot and dry conditions in North Texas negatively affected cotton, grass sorghum and some pastures. Hay and corn harvests continued while grain sorghum harvest was nearing completion. Pasture and rangeland conditions varied from very poor to good and soil moisture levels were very short to adequate. Fall armyworms were still a concern and were feeding on pastures and some residential lawns. Livestock conditions were good, but producers may need to supplement cattle. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 13, 2024 North Texas received much needed rainfall, with most areas averaging up to 5 inches. Corn matured rapidly and harvest began in some areas. Sorghum was maturing and close to harvest, and soybeans were being baled for hay. The ground for wheat was being prepared and tilled, and okra was being planted. Figs were expected to mature within three to four weeks. Armyworms and mosquitoes were becoming an issue in some counties. Pasture and range conditions ranged from poor to good. Topsoil and subsoil were adequate to short with a few counties reporting adequate to surplus. Livestock were in good condition. No major disease outbreaks were reported. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 30, 2024 North Texas received rainfall that ranged from 1-6 inches in most areas. Most crops were planted and emerging, but corn has turned color and dried rapidly due to the heat. Hay was producing well, and okra was being planted for the late summer and early fall seasons. Blackberries were being harvested but some areas were experiencing drops in fruit due to the excessive heat and lack of rainfall. There also has been a slight rise in grasshopper numbers. Soil conditions ranged from short to adequate in most areas with pasture conditions reported to be good to fair. Livestock were in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 16, 2024

Conditions in the South Plains were challenging for producers, with temperatures above 100 degrees during the day with not much cool down in the evening. Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were struggling due to the extreme heat. Previous weeks of hot and dry weather wreaked havoc on crops. Dryland cotton yields were expected to be below average due to the lack of rainfall and extreme heat. Irrigated crops were in fair condition, and some producers were unable to stop irrigation due to needed moisture to survive the heat. Cotton was shedding mature bolls due to heat. Corn and sorghum were maturing and drying up fast. Cucumber harvest continued. Black-eyed peas were near harvest. Cattle were in good condition despite the record heat. High temperatures, wind and no moisture continued to dry out pasture and rangeland. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 The South Plains received little to no rain, and rain was needed. The forecast did not show any relief in the hot and dry temperatures for the foreseeable future. Producers in most areas were fighting weeds from sporadic rains, but cotton was in mid to full bloom. Late planted corn crops were beginning to pollinate, and cucumbers were being cultivated with full irrigation. The peanut crop was in good condition. Livestock were also reported to be in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 30, 2024

Gov. Jim Justice extended the state of emergency for all 55 of West Virginia’s counties due to ongoing drought. WCHS-TV ABC 8 (Charleston, W.V.), Aug 23, 2024 West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties as the entire state was affected by drought. The State of Emergency will remain in effect for the next 30 days unless replaced by another proclamation. WVVA (Bluefield, W.V.), July 26, 2024

Temperatures in the Panhandle reached above 100 degrees each day with little to no moisture. Most corn and cotton producers ceased irrigation due to crop maturity levels. Wheat pre-plant preparation continued. Irrigated wheat planting was expected to start soon for fall stocker pasture. Sorghum continued to develop. Producers were harvesting earlier planted corn and sorghum fields for forage. Some dryland fields were suffering due to heat and dry conditions. Rangelands continued to dry down, and grass was no longer growing. Grasshopper numbers were heavy. Overall soil moisture was reported from short to very short. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to very poor, and overall crops reported good to poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 Extreme heat and some scattered showers were reported in the Panhandle with a late-week cool front bringing some relief, except for southern counties. Soil moisture varied from very short to adequate while range conditions were very poor to fair. The hot, dry conditions caused pasture grasses to brown and increased the wildfire hazard. Cotton crops were beginning to show signs of stress while irrigated crops were in good condition. Crop conditions were poor to good. Producers started supplementing livestock with hay and protein, but body conditions were good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 13, 2024 The Texas Panhandle experienced hot and dry conditions, which dried out soil. Rain was needed to improve dryland crop harvests and rangelands. Irrigation continued for corn, sorghum and cotton crops, and spraying was ongoing for preplant tillage. Producers in some areas were reporting a progression in disease in grain and sorghum crops. Grasshoppers also were a problem in all crops. Producers supplemented livestock with protein to better utilize the dry forage. Overall soil moisture was reported to be very short to adequate with pasture and range conditions reported as very poor to fair. Overall crops ranged from poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 30, 2024 The Panhandle continued to be hot and dry, with most fields needing moisture to support crop growth and development. Early planted corn and cotton reached the flowering stage and were beginning to set fruit. Heat units were accumulating at a sufficient pace for warm-season crops, and crop irrigation continued. The extremely dry conditions and heat were decreasing potential yields in irrigated crops. Overall, soil moisture was very short to adequate, with very poor to fair pasture and range conditions. Crops were in fair to good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 16, 2024 The Panhandle received scattered showers, but hot and dry conditions quickly dried up any moisture. The wheat harvest continued in some areas, and cotton and feed grains looked good but needed more rain to keep up with growth and development. Overall crop conditions varied from good to fair and soil moisture ranged from very short to adequate. Pasture and range conditions were very poor to fair. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 2, 2024

This was the hottest overall week of the summer in Far West Texas, with a heat index of 108 degrees and lows in the high 70s. The Permian Basin desperately needed rain to improve rangeland, cropping and soil moisture conditions. The cotton crop was surviving but the heat has taken a toll, and fields have shed a tremendous number of bolls and squares. Cotton was showing extreme stress by mid-morning, with many fields not recovering overnight and showing stress all day. Yield expectations have come down. Corn and sorghum harvests were complete, with both performing below expectations. Livestock were in poor to fair condition. Pastures remained bare, and the amount of cattle in the district kept dropping. In the Rio Grande Vally, Pima cotton continued to thrive in high temperatures with plenty of water. Upland cotton looked good, but some fields were struggling. Pecan orchards looked healthy overall, and crop loads were about average. Alfalfa was being cut. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 Conditions in the Far West were dry, and high temperatures ranged from the mid-90s to the low 100s. The dry conditions caused the cotton crop to advance quickly, which will likely result in reduced yields. Corn, sorghum and soybean harvests were underway with producers reporting low yields in most fields. Pastures were brown in most areas. Fly numbers were increasing on cattle and livestock. Fall armyworms were reported in a few areas, but no widespread outbreaks to date. Livestock conditions varied from very good to excellent. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 13, 2024 The Far West saw cooler temperatures along with some rain showers reported last weekend. The rain had helped cotton that was still left in the field after insurance adjustments. Most fields had begun to bloom on time and producers were reporting better yield potential than in previous weeks. Although cotton was still not a great crop this year, growers and gins should still have a better year than last year. Corn and sorghum continued making progress and were drying down. Melon harvest continued and yields were still good. Alfalfa continued to yield higher this year due to good water and weather. Pecans looked very good and had a decent harvest. Pastures still needed more moisture, but conditions should improve with the recent rains. Livestock were reported in fair condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 30, 2024 Weather conditions in Far West Texas were seasonable with most areas having low temperatures in the mid-70s and highs in the mid-90s. Cotton insurance adjustments have occurred this past week on fields that failed. Irrigated cotton was still holding on with the more seasonal temperatures, and producers were starting to plant a second crop depending on moisture availability. Cotton plants were in the early squaring to blooming stages with light insect activity. Corn was maturing, but yields were expected to be below average due to the excessive heat during pollination. Onion harvest was complete, and melon harvest continued with increasing yields reported. The pecan trees looked good. There were reports of very little grass in pastures, except in ungrazed areas in tank bottoms. Livestock conditions were good, but many producers continued to thin their herds due to these dry conditions. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 16, 2024 A storm system in the upper elevations near the Davis Mountains brought much-needed moisture and relief from intense heat to Far West Texas. Rainfall accumulations of up to 2 inches were reported in most areas. The 100-degree-plus heat and winds took a toll on irrigated cotton, which was showing signs of drought stress. Early planted fields were blooming with later fields not yet squaring. Corn was badly stressed, but sorghum was reported to be in fair condition. Watermelons and cantaloupes will be harvested in time for the July 4 holiday, and onions were being harvested. Pastures were drying down considerably, and more rain was needed to improve soil, crop and range conditions. Most small livestock were in fair condition, and some were being sold due to little or no grazing. The shipping of late lambs and goats, and culling of ewes and nannies, was ongoing. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 2, 2024

Weather conditions in West Central Texas were extremely hot and dry, with temperatures consistently exceeding 100 degrees and peaking at an all-time high of 113 degrees. Despite some scattered showers bringing up to 2 inches of rain in some locations, most areas remained critically dry. Heat and no rain were in the forecast. The persistent heat resulted in severe drought stress across crops and pastures, with nearly all summer forage growth halted. Many trees were showing signs of drought stress. The lack of moisture caused soil to dry out significantly, complicating field preparation for fall planting and contributing to poor crop conditions. Cotton plants were wilting under hot, dry conditions. Livestock were in fair condition overall but were suffering from the excessive heat. Producers were providing supplement feed and managing dwindling water supplies in stock tanks. Reports of armyworms and grasshoppers persisted. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 West Central Texas received rainfall amounts that ranged from 0.5-1.5 inches in most areas and experienced cooler temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s. However, temperatures were expected to reach the triple digits again over the next week, which will increase the chance of drought conditions. Producers were cutting and baling hay, and corn and sorghum harvest was beginning, with low yields expected due to the lack of rain. Cotton looked decent, and some dryland crops were flowering out at the top. Pasture and range conditions varied from fair to good but weed and insect pressure continued to be an issue, with grasshopper populations very high. Livestock and cattle conditions were good, and market prices were strong. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 30, 2024 Weather conditions in West Central Texas varied from hot and dry to warm and humid with rainfall averaging 0.36 inches. Soil conditions were drying, and drought stress was beginning to show in crops and fields. Hay cutting and baling continued, and producers were reporting above-average yields. Some hail-damaged sorghum fields were being cut as hay, and grain sorghum was maturing quickly. Early planted cotton was in good condition, but late cotton looked poor. Corn was drying down and should be harvested soon. Early planted sorghum was maturing, while late-planted crops were producing smaller heads. Pecan trees looked good. Range and pasture conditions were poor to fair, with most areas suffering from dry conditions. Grasshopper damage worsened, which reduced the quality and quantity of forage available for livestock. Livestock and cattle remained in good condition, and markets were strong. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 16, 2024 Weather conditions in West Central Texas have been hot and dry with temperatures averaging near or over 100 degrees in some areas and only receiving trace amounts of rainfall. Hay production was reported to be good, and producers were finishing the first round of cutting and baling coastal hay and Sudan grass with excellent yields. Forage sorghum was planted and baled with regrowth happening in all areas. Corn harvest was complete, and grain sorghum harvest will begin soon. Grain sorghum crops began to show severe heat and drought stress signs. However, cotton fared well with most already harvested except for the younger crops, which were in a holding phase. Earlier planted cotton looked good despite the hot and dry conditions. Pecans were also in excellent condition. Pasture and range conditions were adequate, but there were reports of pressure from grasshoppers. Livestock and cattle conditions were good, and the market remained strong. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 2, 2024

Hot conditions in Southwest Texas were taking a toll on soil moisture. Temperatures reached 105 degrees with no rainfall reported. A cool front was in the forecast with a chance of rain. Corn and grain sorghum harvests continue with average yields reported. Cotton harvest is set to start next week. Pecan orchards continued to progress, and aphid populations remained relatively low. However, parasitic wasp populations were particularly high in some orchards. Pastures and rangelands continued to decline, and a burn ban was in effect. Some hay was being cut. The intense heat and lack of moisture caused stress for livestock seeking shade instead of grazing. Lamb and goat weaning was underway, and livestock were in fair condition. Producers were heavily culling herds again and supplementing both livestock and wildlife. Whitetail deer remained active but have slowed down a bit due to the heat. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 Conditions were hot and dry in Southwest Texas, and most areas received trace amounts of rainfall. Cotton harvest resumed, but quality issues due to wet conditions were reported. Corn and sorghum harvests were complete, and producers reported average to above average yields. Rice harvest progressed with mixed yield outcomes reported, and grain sorghum harvest should conclude in two weeks, weather permitting. Hay baling continued, but quality was lower, and producers were spraying for armyworms. Range and pasture conditions looked good, but some areas were showing heat and drought stress. Livestock were in good condition with strong cattle prices. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 13, 2024 Southwest Texas experienced moderate humidity and 90-degree temperatures with the hot and dry weather decreasing moisture conditions. Sorghum fields were ready for harvest, and corn was still maturing and completing the dough stage, with harvest anticipated to follow soon after sorghum. Hay fields were recovering for a second cutting. Pastures greened up slightly with last week’s rainfall and were in short but fair condition. However, the ongoing heat continues to wear down livestock and pasture. Overall, pasture, range and row crop conditions were from good to excellent. Livestock markets were rising, and early weaning was likely. A few fawns have been spotted alongside their mothers, and bobwhite quail were seen pairing up. Producers were starting to supplement heavily again. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 2, 2024

The Southwest Florida Water Management District extended the once-a-week watering restrictions through December 31, 2024, despite the return to drought-free conditions in the Tampa Bay region. The watering restrictions cover Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. The Tampa Water Department, with the support of the Tampa City Council, recently made the once-per-week watering rule a permanent measure. Tampa Free Press (Fla.), Aug 27, 2024 The Southwest Florida Water Management District issued a modified Stage 1 Water Shortage mandating that Clearwater Public Utilities water customers water lawns no more than once weekly through September 1. Hoodline Tampa (Fla.), June 27, 2024 Pinellas County remained in a stage one water shortage, due to drought, but water restrictions could ease in coming months. The Southwest Florida Water Management District will also reassess conditions to determine if restrictions were still warranted. WFTS-TV ABC 28 Tampa Bay (Fla.), Feb 12, 2024 Tampa Bay Water announced a Stage 1 water shortage, due to continuously dry weather. Water conservation was encouraged to mitigate potential water supply shortage. Water usage was higher in August and September. WTVT-TV FOX 13 Tampa Bay (Fla.), Oct 3, 2023

The grass football field at a Lost Creek high school has developed large dry patches from the lack of rain this summer. WBOY-TV Clarksburg (W.V.), Aug 22, 2024

Eastland City Commissions updated their Drought Contingency Plan to exclude outdoor watering between the hours of 9am and 7pm. Without any significant rainfall soon, the Eastland County Water Supply District may enact stage 3 restrictions in the next 30 days. KTXS-TV 12 Abilene (Texas), Aug 23, 2024

Heat and drought have drastically slowed grass growth for a farm near Bridgewater. The animals were being fed hay that would normally sustain them through the winter. A pumpkin grower in Rockingham County expected the pumpkins to be half of the usual size. Tropical Storm Debby may have saved the pumpkins, but the rain was too late for the corn. Some growers were losing their crops for a second straight year after drought during the 2023 growing season. Some corn farmers were anticipating half of a crop. Grapes, however, can benefit from a dry year and be of higher quality.

A burn ban was issued for the City of Starkville on Wednesday, August 21 due to drought and the number of grass fires. Permits for burning were not being issued, and caution was urged with the disposal of cigarette and charcoal ashes. WTVA (Tupelo, Miss.), Aug. 21, 2024

A burn ban was in effect for Clay County through September 28 due to drought. Campfires, bonfires, fire pits, fire rings, and all open flames were prohibited. Some other counties with burn bans included Winston, Noxubee, Montgomery, Carroll, Franklin, and Adams. WTVA (Tupelo, Miss.), Aug 26, 2024

Ballinger Municipal Lake was closed to recreation as the water level became very low. If the lake level continues to drop, a stage four water crisis will be declared. KIDY-TV (San Angelo, Texas), Aug 26, 2024

Yellow jackets have been more noticeable this summer in West Virginia largely due to drought conditions in the region. The hot, dry weather parched the soil, leaving yellow jackets seeking water near creeks, gardens, and areas with sprinkler systems. WCHS-TV (Charleston, W.V.), Aug 26, 2024

The removal of drought-damaged trees along Natchez Parkway began on Monday, August 26 around the towns of Clinton, Ridgeland and Madison. Prolonged drought allowed pine beetles to infest and kill many trees in 2023. The trees, many of which were loblolly pines, were being felled and allowed to decompose and provide habitat for wildlife. The tree removal was expected to be completed by the end of September. WJTV TV 12 (Jackson, Miss.), Aug 26, 2024

“Groundwater’s really low, wells are low, springs are running really slow to sometimes even drying out, completely. So it’s harder to get water, it’s harder to get the grass to grow, to feed animals if you have livestock. And we are seeing farms that are selling off cows just because they don’t have the resources to maintain them,” according to a Belmont County agricultural and natural resources educator. WTRF (Wheeling, W.V.), Aug 26, 2024

The wildfire danger has increased in the southern part of Arkansas with 16 counties in a high danger category as of Monday, Aug. 26. Three counties—Dallas, Ouachita and Sevier—have burn bans prohibiting outdoor burning. Arkadelphian.com (Ark.), Aug 26, 2024 Four counties in the southern half of Arkansas had burn bans in effect due to the moderate wildfire danger. The four counties were Sevier, Howard, Montgomery and Dallas. Arkadelphian.com (Ark.), Aug 16, 2024

Drought is harming the trees and creating fuel for potential wildfires. Epidemic levels of southern pine beetles were infesting state forests. “The drought that we are currently experiencing is causing a lot of insect and disease problems in the forest,” according to an Alabama Forestry Commission employee. “They are causing large areas of pines to die. When those pines die and dry out, they become more fuel for wildfires.” WAFF TV (Huntsville, Ala.), Aug 22, 2024 The Alabama Forestry Commission has found nearly 5,000 southern pine beetle spots across the state, with more sites emerging as the summer progresses. The beetles kill an average of 191 trees per site. Because timber is important to Alabama’s economy, the beetles pose a significant threat. The worst infestations were in and around Bankhead National Forest and the Oakmulgee District of the Talladega National Forest. WAFF TV (Huntsville, Ala.), Aug 22, 2024

Drought was hard on the newly planted trees at a Christmas tree farm in Pettyville. The owner said that they would be lucky if 25% of the trees survived, although roughly 80% survive in a normal year. WTAP (Parkersburg, W.V.), Aug 22, 2024