Droughty soils prevail across much of US cotton belt

Unseasonably warm, dry weather ruled across much of the cotton belt during the week ended January 6, and consequently, soil moisture levels deteriorated in key cotton-growing areas as shown in the latest US Drought Monitor map.

In West Texas, conditions were rated from ‘abnormally dry’ to ‘moderate drought’, with a few pockets considered ‘severe’. The harvest season is nearing an end, and growers are focusing on the 2026 crop. Deep soil moisture levels and the availability of water from lakes and ponds will play an integral part of their decision. A vast majority of acreage on the High and Rolling Plains is non-irrigated, and as a result, plants are dependent upon deep soil moisture and timely rains during the growing season. Hence, a wet winter will be required before droughty conditions are fully alleviated.

Most cotton-growing areas in central, eastern, and South Texas were categorized from ‘moderate’ to ‘extreme drought’ as of January 6, with a few locales considered ‘abnormally dry’. The optimal planting window for the Rio Grande Valley usually begins around the first of March and extends until the middle of the month. Thus, several rounds of slow-soaking rain are needed in the next couple of months to ensure adequate topsoil moisture for proper seed germination. No precipitation, though, is in the near-term forecast for the RGV, while scattered showers are possible in the Upper Coastal Bend district tomorrow ahead of a weak cool front.

Cloudy skies and near record-setting highs in the 70°s (F) are forecast for the Memphis Territory today, with highs projected in the 70°s (F). As the cool airmass encounters abnormally warm weather late this evening, scattered thunderstorms could develop. There is a 40 to 70 percent chance of rain falling, and accumulations of between 0.50’’ and around 1.00’’ are projected, which will briefly ease droughty conditions. As of January 6, soil moisture levels ranged from ‘abnormally dry’ to ‘severe drought’, and an extended period of rainy weather would be welcomed in the upcoming months to help improve conditions.

The ongoing warm, dry weather is taking a toll on soil moisture levels throughout the Southeast, where conditions were categorized from ‘abnormally dry’ to ‘severe drought’, with a few pockets of ‘extreme drought’ as of January 6. Many stalks have been cut and shredded, and soils turned under in preparation for winter rains. Light to moderate precipitation is forecast for parts of the Lower Southeast in the upcoming days ahead of a cool front, while much of the Upper Southeast will likely remain dry.

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