Drought — Victoria, Texas

2025-11-04 to 2025-11-30 · Victoria, Texas

Event narrative

Introduction of D2.

Wider weather episode

South Texas: Persistent drought dominated the district, with extremely limited to no rainfall and little relief expected in the extended forecast. Temperatures ranged widely'from cool mornings in the 40s to daytime highs in the 90s'while high winds and low humidity further depleted soil moisture. Topsoil and subsoil conditions remained very poor, driving widespread moisture stress across crops and rangeland. Dry conditions allowed harvest activities to continue, including peanuts, citrus, leafy greens, cabbage, and bell peppers, while strawberry planting wrapped up and fall corn and cool-season vegetables progressed with varying success. However, many crops required irrigation where water was available, and some fields showed drought stress. Planting of winter small grains occurred mainly under irrigation, while some producers delayed or idled fieldwork due to lack of moisture. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to decline, with limited forage availability and some overgrazing damage. Hay supplies were tight and in high demand, prompting increased supplementation, early weaning of calves, herd reductions, and in some cases hauling water. Wildlife water sources became increasingly limited, though most species remained in fair condition. Fire danger remained elevated, with burn bans in effect in some areas.

Coastal Bend: Extreme drought and prolonged heat persisted across the district, with little to no rainfall since early August. Soil moisture remained critically low, significantly limiting winter forage establishment and reducing planted acreage of wheat, oats, and ryegrass. While dry weather supported timely fieldwork, it further stressed pastures and rangeland. Cotton yields were generally good to excellent, and pecan harvest continued with mixed results depending on crop quality. Pasture conditions deteriorated steadily, offering minimal forage, and hay inventories declined rapidly. Many producers began feeding hay and supplemental feed earlier than normal, while some marketed cattle early or hauled water due to depleted stock ponds. Late-week scattered showers brought up to 2 inches of rain in isolated areas, briefly benefiting winter pastures, but overall drought conditions persisted. Winter pasture planting remained down 40'50%, and in some locations did not occur at all. Rangeland conditions stayed poor, forage supplies remained limited, and producers continued to conserve hay amid concerns about winter feed availability.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1297549. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.