Persistent dry conditions across the Rio Grande Valley/Deep South Texas region led to further degradation of drought conditions.  A large spot of Exceptional (D4) Drought developed in a local rain desert mainly in Northern Hidalgo and Brooks County, and D4 expanded across all of the Rio Grande Plains to western Jim Hogg and Starr Counties. Impacts began to be felt on livestock and dryland crops as temperatures warmed and evaporation rates increased with with the rising sun angle.

Drought in NORTHERN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
From 23-MAR-21 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Due to persistent lack of significant rainfall, Exceptional (D4) Drought developed across the majority of Northern Hidalgo county, with the exception of southwestern portions of the area near McCook. Dryland crops were unable to be planted due to the dry soil, causing a delay in the start of certain crops' growing season, and water hauling increased for cattle ranchers in the area.

Drought in SOUTHERN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
From 23-MAR-21 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Due to persistent lack of significant rainfall, Exceptional (D4) Drought developed across northern portions of Southern Hidalgo County while Extreme (D3) Drought overtook the remainder of the county. The increased D4 area included the area north of Edinburg, including Faysville and Hargill.  Dryland crops could not be planted at their usual time due to the lack of soil moisture.

Drought in STARR, TEXAS
From 23-MAR-21 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Due to persistent lack of significant rainfall and dry fronts, Exceptional (D4) Drought developed in extreme northeastern Starr County, continued in western portions. Extreme (D3) Drought continued elsewhere and finally overtook the southeastern portion of the county. Cattle ranchers reported the need for additional water hauling due to the lack of available water supplies.

Drought in ZAPATA, TEXAS
From 23-MAR-21 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Due to persistent lack of significant rainfall, Exceptional (D4) Drought developed and covered all of Zapata County beginning on March 23rd and continuing through the end of the month.

Drought in BROOKS, TEXAS
From 23-MAR-21 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Due to persistent lack of significant rainfall, Exceptional (D4) Drought developed in southern and eastern portions of Brooks county while Extreme (D3) Drought overtook the northeastern sliver of the county that had been in Severe (D2) conditions.

Drought in INLAND KENEDY COUNTY, TEXAS
From 23-MAR-21 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Due to persistent lack of significant rainfall, Exceptional (D4) Drought developed across southwestern portions of Inland Kenedy County. Extreme (D3) Drought also pushed eastward across the remainder of Inland Kenedy.

Drought in COASTAL KENEDY COUNTY, TEXAS
From 23-MAR-21 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Due to persistent lack of significant rainfall, Extreme (D3) Drought expanded eastward across the majority of Coastal Kenedy County, with the exception of far southern areas and the barrier island over the southeast portion.

Drought in WILLACY, TEXAS
From 23-MAR-21 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Due to persistent lack of significant rainfall, Exceptional (D4) Drought developed across far western portions of Willacy County. Extreme (D3) Drought also expanded eastward across central and eastern Willacy with a sliver of Severe (D2) Drought across the southeast portion of Inland Willacy County.

Drought in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 23-MAR-21 00:00:00 to 31-MAR-21 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Due to persistent lack of significant rainfall, Extreme (D3) Drought expanded eastward across more of western and central Cameron County, to include the Harlingen area and many of the crop field surrounding it. Severe (D2) Drought remained in place across central Cameron County.