Louisiana Weekly Climate Summary - October 15 - October 21, 2025

By Jay Grymes

Louisiana State Climatologist

The Louisiana Drought Team, in coordination with national USDM authors, increased the coverage of D1 (‘Moderate Drought’) across central and southwestern Louisiana and introduced a new area of D1 across far northwestern Louisiana. D0 (‘Abnormally Dry’) coverage was reduced across northeastern Louisiana and increased across southeastern Louisiana.

With the changes, statewide coverage of D1 increased from 21% to 31% while the statewide coverage of D0 decreased from 55% to 45%. The 31% coverage of D1 is the most for Louisiana since 10/29/2024, almost one year ago.

Most of the 7-day rainfall fell on the 18th, associated with the first of two frontal passages during the period. Rains over most of northeastern Louisiana were sufficient to reduce drought ratings there. Elsewhere, however, amounts were lighter and not enough to offset evapotranspiration (ET); thus, degradations took place.

Of the 30 parish reports received, LSU AgCenter agents noted “Very Dry” field conditions across 13 parishes and “Dry” conditions for another 12 parishes. As has been the case for weeks, impacts were noted for crops, forestry, pastures, and surface water.

Due to the dry conditions and the related wildfire threat, 12 parishes had burn bans in effect as of October 23rd. Also as of the 23rd, Fire Danger levels were posted as “High” for 19 parishes, with an additional 6 parishes rated as “Very High” .