The Farmer's Forecast: March 20, 2024

By Nick Mikulas

Louisiana Farm Bureau News/Cenla Weather

Forecast rainfall amounts continue to increase, and it looks like the rain will stick around a bit longer into Friday across a good chunk of Louisiana.

Forecast totals started in the 1/2 to 1 inch range, but have steadily increased, and are up to 1-2 inches for most areas. The heaviest rain is most likely across southern and central parts of Louisiana, where isolated totals over 3 inches are possible. Rain will start falling along the Louisiana, Texas border early Thursday morning, and won't exit the southeastern part of the state until Friday evening.

The slower progress of this system means heavier totals. The good news is, the chance for severe weather is low, with areas south of I-10 possibly seeing a severe storm or two, but the remainder of Louisiana mainly just seeing a moderate to heavy rain with some thunder.

The main purpose of this update is for you to prepare for a bit more rain than I've been anticipating. The next system will move through the area Monday into Tuesday, with at least some chance for severe weather, and another 1-2 inches of rain. I know the impact of rain varies from farm to farm, so I won't tell you how to prepare. I'll just give you the best forecast I can so you can stay ahead of the weather. Well, as much as possible!