Drought — Lubbock, Texas

2012-02-01 to 2012-02-29 · Lubbock, Texas

Wider weather episode

Drought conditions as reflected by the U.S. Drought Monitor were unchanged from the end of January. Exceptional (D4) drought persisted over much of the South Plains while the Rolling Plains saw values ranging from Abnormally Dry (D0) in Hall County to Severe (D3).

February was abnormally cool for a typical La Nia pattern that had been observed through the fall and winter. Average temperatures for the month at Lubbock and Childress were just below normal. These lower temperatures greatly reduced instances of grassland wildfire starts. The first half of February brought mostly dry conditions but two widespread precipitation events occurred in the second half of the month in the form of winter weather. Despite these two precipitation events, much of the area was below normal for precipitation totals. Keetch-Byram Drought Index values remained unchanged from January. Values ranged from 500-600 across the South Plains and 300-400 across the Rolling Plains.

Soil moisture deficits experienced modest improvements by mid-month after a few rounds of precipitation. However, deep soil moisture levels were not improved. A strong wind event on the 20th damaged some winter wheat crops in the Rolling Plains due to widespread blowing dust. Livestock was generally reported to be in fair to good condition with a continued dependence on supplemental feed.

Economic losses due to drought through February since the drought began were estimated near $2.4 billion.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 363878. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.