Drought in Willacy, Texas

Severe (D2) Drought expanded into western Willacy County on March 18th, courtesy of very dry conditions (afternoon humidity averaging around 20 percent from the 10th-17th), persistent breezes, periodic hot temperatures, and increasing evaporation. The drought area would expand into central Willacy County on the 25th. Torrential rains and local flash flooding on the 27th would improve conditions by April 1st.

Texas Agrilife reported that south Texas row crops - a staple of Willacy County agriculture - suffered early-season stress with water shortages prior to March 27th becoming critical. Rangeland/pastures became very dry, peaking around March 25th.

Another week of extremely dry conditions between March 11-17, combined with periodic gusty winds and occasional heat spikes, worsened drought to Extreme (D3) across Starr, Jim Hogg, and Zapata Counties, and expanded Severe (D2) conditions to parts of all counties in Deep South Texas. Relative humidity averaged below 15 percent for the week leading up to March 18th for most of the region. Rangelands turned completely brittle and cattle herds continued to be culled as water shortages worsened.

Some good fortune smiled on the region toward the end of March, as a historic flood impacted much of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with welcome but lesser rains across the Brush Country and Rio Grande Plains. While much of the rain was not completely absorbed by parched soil (due to runoff), the rains would reduce the drought footprint by April 1st.