An extended dry period over west Texas, as well as much of the state, resulted in the emergence of Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) drought during the month of March.  By the 8th, Severe (D2) drought had developed over portions of the southern Rolling Plains.  The drought deepened and expanded over the region through the month, and by month's end Severe (D2) drought encompassed most of the western South Plains, the Rolling Plains and the extreme southeastern Panhandle, with Extreme (D3) drought developing over the southern Rolling Plains (including King and Stonewall Counties) by the 29th.
Although the drought developed during the region's typical cool and dry season, rainfall for many areas of the South Plains region has barely approached one inch between October (2010) and March (2011).  These totals amount to two to four inches below normal and rank as one of the driest October to March periods on record fro the region.  Keetch-Byram Drought Index values ranged between 500 and 600 by the end of March.
Through March, the impact of drought was already evidenced in increased wildfire activity.  Impacts on agriculture, the area's primary economy, were minimal through March. However, area crops were beginning to show signs of stress as winter wheat crops were beginning to suffer.  It was evident that if rain did not occur during April, wheat crops would be severely impacted and cotton planting would be delayed.

Drought in COTTLE, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in DICKENS, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in KING, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in STONEWALL, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in BRISCOE, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in HALL, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in CHILDRESS, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in MOTLEY, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in KENT, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in GARZA, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in TERRY, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in YOAKUM, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in COCHRAN, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in BAILEY, TEXAS
From 08-MAR-11 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency