Louisiana Weekly Drought Monitor Update: January 13, 2026

By Jay Grymes

Louisiana Climatologist

Rains over the course of the 7-day period (6-13 Jan) took a bite out of the developing drought for parts of Louisiana, with one-category improvements (Drought Category reductions) across the Florida Parishes and near/along the I-20 corridor in northern Louisiana.  Yet nearly two-thirds of the state remains "in drought" with more than 20% of Louisiana in "Severe Drought" (D2).

With the SST La Niña signature still looking rather healthy in the equatorial Pacific, Louisiana should plan for "dry & mild" weather to persist for the next month or two.  Drought is likely to persist for at least some sections of the state through the next 1-3 months.

Note, however, that La Niña does NOT rule out the potential for significant rain events (as occurred for parts of the state on Jan 9-10) and occasional Arctic surges (as expected this weekend) over the next 4-6 weeks.  Indeed, singular events are often more important than monthly or seasonal trends in terms of impacts.

Thanks/Courtesy:

Louisiana Drought Team

U.S. Drought Monitor National Author(s)

NWS offices serving Louisiana: SHV, JAN, LCH & LIX

LA Dept. Ag & Forestry

LSU & LSU AgCenter

GOHSEP