Texas farmers, ranchers lose billions to 2024 weather disasters

The total incurred damages in Texas was over $3.4 billion.

Drought and excessive heat contributed to more than 66% of Texas’ losses. The most severe drought impacts occurred between June and September.

Texas cotton farmers saw $1.8 billion in losses, and there was a loss of $768 million in forage and rangeland damage and $257 million in wheat losses from drought.

Early in 2024, the Smokehouse Creek Fire caused $123 million in losses, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. It was the largest wildfire in Texas and burned more than 1.2 million of acres in the Panhandle.

#Texas #drought #weather #cotton #fire #agriculture

https://texasfarmbureau.org/texas-farmers-ranchers-lose-billions-to-2024-weather-disasters/

“The Anglos brought in pumps and motors. They think they can do better than all these poor people who’ve been here 20,000 years.”

From the archives in 2022: A century of enterprise and overuse has brought this historic river to the brink. https://www.texasobserver.org/rio-grande-water-drifting-toward-disaster/

The Growing Impact of ENSO on U.S. Extreme Drought and Flood Events

Extreme hydroclimate events, such as droughts, floods, and heavy rainfall, account for a substantial portion of weather-related disasters in the United States, leading to significant socio-economic losses involving agriculture, water resources, and public health, among others.

#ENSO #drought #flood #weather

https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/the-growing-impact-of-enso-on-u-s-extreme-drought-and-flood-events/

Extreme weather last year including typhoons, heat waves and flooding led to the biggest displacement of people since 2008, and exacerbated a food crisis in more than a dozen countries, according to a report. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2025/03/19/climate-change/extreme-weather-2024-16-years/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #environment #climatechange #climatechange #drought #floods #typhoons #heatwaves

U.S. Drought Monitor staff preparing for #NOAA disruptions

A climatologist at the National Drought Mitigation Center says he’s closely following how staffing cuts at #USDA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could impact work.

#USDM #NDMC #drought

https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/news/u-s-drought-monitor-staff-preparing-for-noaa-disruptions/

Trump administration halts funding for 17 Colorado Upper Basin water projects

Funding impacts affecting crucial Colorado River basin projects amid ongoing drought issues

https://sentinelcolorado.com/state-and-region-news/colorado-news-state-and-region-news/trump-administration-halts-funding-for-17-colorado-upper-basin-water-projects/

“The moisture is welcomed, but it really didn’t put a dent into the dry winter that we’ve been experiencing up to this point.” - NDMC climatologist Brian Fuchs

Brian recently shared his insights on Nebraska's worsening drought on Nebraska Public Media.

https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/drought-conditions-still-increasing-in-nebraska-despite-recent-snowfall/

NJ American Water customers may notice salty taste in their #water due to road salt, brine

Due to the use of #salt and brine for public safety during the recent extreme winter weather, as well as ongoing #drought conditions, #NewJersey residents may have noticed a salty taste in their tap #water. Despite the slight change in taste, New Jersey American Water wants to assure its customers that the water it provides continues to meet all health-based primary drinking water standards.

https://themonmouthjournaleastern.com/nj-american-water-customers-may-notice-salty-taste-in-their-water-due-to-ro-p17276-152.htm

Water scarcity isn’t just a Western U.S. issue. In 2024, NYC and Boston urged water cuts, Philly faced saltwater threats, and wildfires spread. Experts warn #climatechange is reshaping U.S. water security: https://theconversation.com/drought-can-hit-almost-anywhere-how-5-cities-that-nearly-ran-dry-got-water-use-under-control-248760 #Drought