Volume 14 Number 1                                                                        JANUARY 2001

January 2001 marked the third month in a row in which a majority of the first order stations in Texas recorded below-normal temperatures. Only Brownsville, Del Rio, Waco, and Wichita Falls were at or above normal. Temperatures did reach into the 70s throughout most of the state, but a cool start to the month kept the mean monthly temperatures down. Most of Texas also received greater-than-normal precipitation for the month as only three stations recorded deficits (Brownsville, College Station, and El Paso). Lubbock only recorded 1.46 inches of precipitation; however, this was 374% of the normal January precipitation.

Cold temperatures dominated the first few days of January as a storm system produced winter weather for northern portions of the state early New Year's Day. However, temperatures rebounded into the 50s and 60s and the skies cleared within the next few days. On the 10^th, a low pressure system in Southern Texas produced widespread precipitation throughout much of the state. San Antonio recorded 1.65 inches of rain, and Temple recorded 1.60 inches during this day. On the 13^th, a weak cold front moved through the state, producing precipitation in some areas.

On the 16^th, an intense low pressure system pushed through the state, triggering snow and significant amounts of rain. Galveston recorded 2.31 inches on the 16^th, and Texarkana recorded 1.89 inches on the 17^th. This system affected Texas weather through the 19^th as it slowly moved east. Another major low pressure system moved through Texas on the 27^th to the 29^th, triggering more precipitation for much of the state. However, the last two days of January were calm and dry.

Kerry Meyer (Undergraduate Assistant)
 
 

* Complete temperature data were unavailable. Temperatures are rounded to the nearest whole degree.

*HDD - Heating degree-day: Refer to the Monthly Average chart for a definition T = Trace (<0.005")

*CDD - Cooling degree-day: Refer to the Monthly Average chart for a definition M: Information not available.

Agricultural Weather Highlights

Insect populations were at risk to snow and freezing temperatures in the beginning of January according to Emory Boring, Extension entomologist in Vernon. Boll weevil numbers decreased in areas which experienced dry, cold weather. "Weevils like moist areas with more decomposition occurring," said Boring. "They have been killed in spots that have dried out." Mosquito and flea populations will also be affected by this spring. "Mosquitoes could be a problem if there is a lot of moisture this spring," said Boring. "Fleas also thrive in moist conditions but will be limited if there is not enough moisture." The cold, wet weather, however, is not conducive to the Texas wheat crop. "We need warm weather and clear skies for wheat to start growing," said Todd Baughman, Extension agronomist in Vernon. "Many fields will be left unplanted or converted to alternative crops."

Towards the middle of January, Texas cattle producers were forced to turn to supplemental feeding due to the rainy, cold weather. "Reduced standing forage because of weather and prior management causes some producers to supplemental feed," Extension beef cattle specialist Dr. Stephen Hammack of Stephenville said. "Below average temperatures and low body condition are components as well." There are also some problems associated with supplemental feeding. "Occasionally, some supplements can be over-consumed," Hammack said. "This can cause digestive problems, or in some cases, toxicity." According to district Extension director Galen Chandler of Vernon, supplemental feeding is a continued priority for cattle producers. "The herds are checked daily to monitor body condition scores," he said. "Cows are being culled, and calves are being weaned as needed." Supplemental feeding is heavy in North Texas as well according to district Extension director Randy Upshaw.

The end of January brought increased moisture and cool temperatures to Texas. According to Joe Pena, Extension economist of Uvalde, this puts a favorable outlook for the Texas onion crop. The best conditions for onion growth include a cool, moist environment from planting through early growth followed by warm dry conditions during maturity. "The cool weather will help the crop to fertilize well," Pena said. "Rains have brought excellent moisture, and there is certainly the potential for a good crop." The lower Rio Grande Valley grows eighty percent of the state's crop. Harvest will begin in March in the Rio Grande Valley and will continue to the north through June and possibly early July.

Material obtained from:

TAMU Extension Crop, Livestock and Weather reports
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monthly Weather Outlook for February 2001

From the Climate Prediction Center, the 30-day outlook for the month of February indicates a 0-5% greater than normal probability of above-average temperatures north of a line from Paris to Big Bend. The remainder of Texas has a 5-10% greater than normal probability of above-average temperatures.

The majority of the state is predicted to have normal precipitation for the month of February. However, the portion of the state east of I-35 has a 0-5% greater than normal probability of below-average precipitation. The area from Victoria to Beaumont/Port Arthur has a 5-10% greater than normal probability of below-average precipitation.

Past Weather Events in February

February 20-22, 1971: Blizzard. Panhandle. Paralyzing blizzard, worst since March 22-25, 1957. Storm transformed Panhandle into one vast snowfield as six to 26 inches of snow were whipped by 40 to 60 miles per hour winds into drifts up to 12 feet high. At Follet, three-day snowfall was 26 inches. Three persons killed; property and livestock losses were $3.1 million.

February 21, 1996: Anomalously high temperatures were reported over the entire state, breaking records in nearly every region of the state. Temperatures near 100ºF shattered previous records by as many as 10ºF as Texans experienced heat more characteristic of mid-summer than winter.

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Kerry Meyer (Undergraduate Assistant)

Darcy Dittman (Undergraduate Assistant)