Texas, 2009

Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 2009

August 1 to 31, 2009 · NWS CRP · 15 events in 15 counties and zones

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 15 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
15

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS CRP wrote it up.

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Corpus Christi, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 31, 10:38 PM CST, 1 hour 22 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 31, 10:38 PM CST, 1 hour 22 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CORPUS CHRISTI TX
1138 PM CDT FRI JUL 31 2009

.DISCUSSION...SEE THE AVIATION DISCUSSION BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.

&&

.AVIATION...PATCHY MVFR CEILINGS WL ONCE AGAIN OCCUR TNT...
ESPECIALLY ACROSS CENTRAL AND NRN PORTIONS OF THE COASTAL BEND.
THE MOST PREVALENT MVFR AREAS WL BE ACROSS THE VCT AREA. THE MVFR
CONDITIONS WL END BY 15Z SATURDAY AS DAYTIME HEATING AND MIXING OF
DRIER AIR BEGIN. OTHERWISE...VFR CONDITIONS WL PREVAIL THROUGH TNT
AND SATURDAY AS HIGH PRESSURE ALOFT PERSISTS. A DRYING TREND IS
EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY AND THIS SHOULD KEEP MOST IF
NOT ALL OF THE AREA DRY.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
CORPUS CHRISTI    79  99  79  98  78  /  10  10  10  10  10
VICTORIA          79  99  76  99  75  /  10  10  10  10  10
LAREDO            83 107  82 107  79  /  10  10  10  10  10
ALICE             80 105  78 105  76  /  10  10  10  10  10
ROCKPORT          82  93  81  93  81  /  10  10  10  10  10
COTULLA           77 104  77 103  76  /  10  10  10  10  10
KINGSVILLE        79 101  79 100  77  /  10  10  10  10  10
NAVY CORPUS       81  92  81  93  81  /  10  10  10  10  10

&&

.CRP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
TX...NONE.
GM...NONE.

&&

MB
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 31, 4:28 AM CST, 19 hours 32 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CORPUS CHRISTI TX
528 AM CDT FRI JUL 31 2009

GMZ230-235-250-255-270-275-TXZ229>234-239>247-011100-
BAYS AND WATERWAYS FROM BAFFIN BAY TO PORT ARANSAS-
BAYS AND WATERWAYS FROM PORT ARANSAS TO PORT OCONNOR-
COASTAL WATERS FROM BAFFIN BAY TO PORT ARANSAS OUT 20 NM-
COASTAL WATERS FROM PORT ARANSAS TO MATAGORDA SHIP CHANNEL OUT
20 NM-WATERS FROM BAFFIN BAY TO PORT ARANSAS FROM 20 TO 60 NM-
WATERS FROM PORT ARANSAS TO MATAGORDA SHIP CHANNEL FROM 20 TO
60 NM-LA SALLE-MCMULLEN-LIVE OAK-BEE-GOLIAD-VICTORIA-WEBB-DUVAL-
JIM WELLS-KLEBERG-NUECES-SAN PATRICIO-ARANSAS-REFUGIO-CALHOUN-
528 AM CDT FRI JUL 31 2009

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTH TEXAS AND THE MIDDLE
TEXAS COASTAL WATERS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT
ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE OVER INLAND AREAS OF
SOUTH TEXAS. BESIDES LIGHTNING...A STORM COULD PRODUCE SMALL HAIL
AND BRIEF WIND GUSTS TO AROUND 50 MPH. AFTERNOON HEAT INDEX VALUES
TODAY WILL RANGE FROM 105 TO 109 DEGREES...WITH A FEW LOCATIONS
REACHING 110 DEGREES FOR A SHORT TIME...MAINLY NEAR THE ALICE AREA.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

AFTERNOON HEAT INDEX VALUES FROM 105 TO 109 DEGREES ARE EXPECTED
OVER INLAND AREAS...WITH HEAT INDICES REACHING 110 TO 115 DEGREES
FROM ALICE TO LAREDO.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT ANTICIPATED.

GW/TM

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

15 drought. Local standard time, as filed.

Drought, Aransas

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Aransas forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.015, -97.074 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Bee

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Bee forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.417, -97.741 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Calhoun

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Calhoun forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.439, -96.615 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Duval

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Duval forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.681, -98.509 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Goliad

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Goliad forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.657, -97.426 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Jim Wells

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Jim Wells forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.731, -98.090 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Kleberg

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Kleberg forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.427, -97.668 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, La Salle

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
La Salle forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.345, -99.100 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Live Oak

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Live Oak forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.351, -98.125 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, McMullen

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
McMullen forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.353, -98.568 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Nueces

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Nueces forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.735, -97.516 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Refugio

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Refugio forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.322, -97.159 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, San Patricio

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
San Patricio forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.009, -97.518 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Victoria

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Victoria forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.796, -96.971 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

Drought, Webb

When
August 1, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where
Webb forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.761, -99.332 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

During August, extreme to exceptional drought conditions continued across South Texas. There was beneficial rainfall across southeast Webb County, Duval County, and Victoria County. Most locations outside of these areas received less than 25% of normal rainfall for the month of August. For the month of August the Corpus Christi International Airport only received 0.45 of rainfall, which was 13% of the normal rainfall for August. Victoria received 1.62 of rainfall, which was 53% of normal rainfall for August. The drought continued to have historic implications, with most of the region now in a 1-in-50 (some locations in a 1-in-100) year drought, rivaling the drought during the 1950s.

The drought and lack of ground moisture also had impacts on summer temperatures. The Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) broke the August record for the monthly average mean for daily average temperatures, and the Victoria Regional Airport (VCT) had its fifth warmest August on record. For the summer months of June through August, the Corpus Christi International Airport shattered the record for highest average maximum temperature by 2 degrees F, and also broke the record for average mean for daily average temperatures during this three month period.

By the end of August, exceptional drought conditions were occurring across Victoria, Goliad, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Live Oak, Jim Wells, and Duval counties. Extreme drought conditions were observed across Webb, McMullen, and La Salle counties. (per the U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html)

The agriculture industry in South Texas continued to be devastated through the month of August. Crops remained in very poor condition, and insurance companies were adjusting and paying farmers. For the first time in over a century, the historic South Texas drought claimed the entire cotton production of Kleberg County. Similarly, Nueces County had a 95% failure rate of cotton and San Patricio County had a 90% failure rate. For the entire state of Texas, crop and livestock losses from the drought were estimated at $3.6 billion, and predicted to surpass the $4 billion mark. Supplemental feeding of livestock with hay continued, however the condition of livestock overall remained poor due to little forage. Most surface water impoundments, creeks and storage reservoirs were dry, and livestock herds were either liquidated or being heavily fed.

Periods of elevated to critical fire danger occurred through the month with sporadic wildfires observed.

In addition, reservoir levels continued a gradual fall. Choke Canyon Reservoir was near 68% capacity and Lake Corpus Christi near 29% capacity by the end of the month. The City of Victoria continued mandatory water restrictions due to the drought conditions and low flow on the Guadalupe River.

What these are

Drought
A drought reaching severe (D2) or worse on the US Drought Monitor, or with notable impacts.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Texas in 2009Every state in 2009This day in weather historyWarnings in Texas, August 2009

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 195718, 195719, 195720, 195721, 195722, 195723, 195724, 195725, 195726, 195727, 195728, 195729, 195730, 195731, 195732.