After a series of earthquakes in northwest Louisiana triggered by Thursday’s magnitude 4.9 in Red River Parish, the U.S. Geological Survey spent time this week installing new equipment to assist in detecting earthquakes. Among those on the team was Cynthia Ebinger with the Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, who says this is standard operating procedure.

During the week ending in early March 2026, Louisiana experienced very dry and unusually warm conditions. A February 27 cold front brought the only rainfall, with most areas receiving less than 0.20 inches and many locations reporting no rain. Temperatures stayed well above normal, reaching 85°F at Leesville and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. The March 5 update from the U.S. Drought Monitor showed worsening drought conditions across more than three-quarters of the state, with increased fire danger and multiple burn bans in place. Despite the heat and humidity occasionally producing dense morning fog in southern and central areas, the week saw no severe weather watches, warnings, or reports.

Action has already begun today in NW Louisiana, where the NWS has issued a number of Tornado and Severe T-Storm Warnings this morning.