Louisiana Drought Deepens: 43% of State Now Affected

By Jay Grymes

Louisiana State Climatologist

After a rain-free 7-day stretch for Louisiana (Nov 12-18), today's updated U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) depiction for the Bayou State shows additional degradations with more than 40% of the state now posted as "in drought" (D1+D2).  

Drought-flagged areas (D1+D2) expanded from 23% of the state to 43% ... and while limited to just 5% of the state's area, D2 coverage ('Severe Drought') more than doubled from the previous week.  For perspective, that 43% drought coverage (D1+D2) is the largest percentage in more than a year (5 Nov 2024).

In addition to the lack of rain, degradations were enhanced by abundant sunshine plus record/near-record temperatures that combined to produce elevated evapotranspiration rates (soil-water demand).  

Some sections of the state have received no rain since late October.  For comparison, normal rainfall at this time of year is roughly 1.0" to 1.2" per week.

D2 is a sure sign of critical conditions and is sufficient to deliver substantial economic impacts to various ag sectors, especially during prolonged runs.

There is some good news with rain arriving as soon as tomorrow and extending off-and-on through the weekend.  Rain amounts through the weekend will be somewhat disappointing for many, however, with most of the state likely getting less than 1/4" over the next 3 days.  

The extended 7-day rainfall does indicate a more energetic set-up for the early-to-mid portion of next week.  This morning's NWS Weather Prediction Center's 7-Day Outlook suggests 2" of rain or more by Thanksgiving morning across the northern half of the state.  That's not a drought-buster but it will certainly ease the stress, assuming that the outlook holds true.  Unfortunately, southeastern parishes look to miss out on that soaking.

Keep in mind that the USDM evaluation combines a number of environmental measures of moisture availability (or stress) over varying time periods.  It can be slow to acknowledge localized conditions, especially in the 'hit-or-miss' pattern of drought currently impacting Louisiana.  That said, the LA Drought Team is keeping a close watch on deteriorating conditions, especially in ag & forestry dominated areas of the state.

Courtesy/Thanks:

LA Drought Team & USDM national authors

SRCC at Texas A&M

LSU AgCenter

GOHSEP