February 2026 in Louisiana brought a mix of severe weather, warmth, and worsening drought. A Valentine’s Day tornado outbreak marked one of the most active severe weather events in years, while the rest of the month remained relatively quiet. Temperatures were warmer than normal overall, with record highs in the 80s, though several freeze events still occurred early and late in the month. Rainfall was well below average statewide, intensifying drought conditions, which expanded significantly by the end of February. Dry conditions also led to rare winter burn bans and increased wildfire risk, while frequent dense fog created additional hazards. Overall, the month contributed to a very dry, warm winter with growing impacts on agriculture and soil moisture heading into spring.

Louisiana is entering April with worsening drought conditions, as more than 80% of the state is now in drought and nearly 25% is experiencing rare “Extreme Drought.” While some rain is expected in the coming week, it will only provide limited relief. With warmer temperatures increasing moisture demand, consistent rainfall will be critical in the coming weeks to rebuild soil moisture before the intense summer heat arrives.