Drought — Starr, Texas

2025-03-11 to 2025-03-17 · Starr, Texas

Event narrative

Severe (D2) Drought spread to all of Starr County on March 11th, and continued through March 17th before worsening thereafter as the combination of heat, wind, very dry air, and increasing sun angle/evaporation rates contributed to the onset of a flash drought.

Wider weather episode

By March 11, Severe (D2) Drought expanded eastward to include all of Starr, western Hidalgo, Brooks, and western Kenedy Counties. The Severe Drought would expand farther east soon after, with Extreme (D3) Drought developing across the upper Valley, Brush Country, and Rio Grande Plains. The worsening and expanding drought began to have impact on pastures and cattle herds. Pastures continued to dry out with limited hay for grazing, and herds were culled, with some movement to other pastures as water shortages built.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1248926. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.