Drought in Coastal Kleberg County, Texas

Continued D2 drought.

South Texas saw intermittent rounds of beneficial rainfall through April that provided short-term drought relief and improved topsoil moisture, but long-term drought impacts remained evident across much of the region. In the South district, heavy rains temporarily greened up rangelands, improved forage availability, and stabilized livestock conditions, though low stock tank levels, depleted subsoil moisture, and continued supplemental feeding highlighted ongoing hydrologic stress. Crop conditions generally improved with moisture, supporting emergence and development of corn, sorghum, cotton, hay, citrus, and specialty crops, but uneven stands, delayed planting, irrigation dependence, and lingering drought-stressed soils continued to limit recovery potential. Across the Coastal Bend, rainfall was more variable, with some areas receiving several inches while others remained dry, resulting in uneven improvement to pasture and crop conditions. Corn and sorghum showed recovery where rain occurred, though drought stress, failed stands, replanting concerns, and poor forage availability persisted in drier locations. Overall, recent precipitation improved short-term crop and grazing outlooks across South Texas, but sustained rainfall will be needed to fully recharge soils, support dryland crop development, and maintain pasture recovery heading into the warmer months.