Drought in Northern Hidalgo County, Texas

Severe (D2) Drought persisted across all of northern Hidalgo County until May 11th, before the area shrunk back to cover the eastern third of northern Hidalgo County between May 12th and 25th. Thunderstorms early on May 9th cut back the area for the May 12th Drought Monitor; more widespread activity on the mornings of May 20th and 21st were sufficient to reduce conditions to Moderate (D1) in the eastern third beginning on the 26th, with dryness (D0) elsewhere.

The onset of much needed rainfall in April had reduced drought conditions across the region by the end of the month, with around 56% of the far south Texas region in Severe (D2) and just 2% in Extreme (D3). Some portion of each county remained in D2, with the coastal and barrier islands having improved to Moderate (D1) Drought, which is not considered for Storm Data. Generally dry conditions through May 8th maintained status quo before localized rains soon after began to improve conditions, especially west of IH-69C/US 281 from Hidalgo/Brooks westward.