Drought Information Statement for Southeast LA and Southwest MS Valid April 9, 2026 Issued By: NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge Contact Information: sr-lix.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated April 16, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/lix/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for SE Louisiana and SW Mississippi Rainfall over the last week brought some improvements to mainly Southeast Louisiana. Drought intensity and extent: D3 (Exceptional Drought): SE LA and remains for Western Wilkinson County in SW MS D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of Southeast Louisiana; SW and Coastal Mississippi D0-D1 (Abnormally Dry to Moderate Drought): Coastal/South MS and the Florida Parishes Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for SE Louisiana and SW Mississippi One Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Worsened (Yellows): No changes this week. No Change (Gray): No changes in category this week. Drought Improved (Greens): Some improvements were noted across the Florida Parishes and Southern Mississippi. Precipitation The front that brought cooler temperatures last week also brought some needed rain. Unfortunately, most of that rain fell in locations that already had received higher amounts than others. While areas near Baton Rouge and Southwest Mississippi are around average for rainfall, most of the region is well below normal. Temperature Cooler temperatures were noted across the region due to a frontal passage last week. The average temperature near the coastal areas have been near or within a degree or two of normal. However, areas north of the Coastal Lakes are ranging 2 to 6 degrees above normal. Agricultural Impacts Soils moistures are ranked well below normal. Spring planting and crops could be adversely impacted. Livestock ponds maybe running low. Image Captions: Above: CPC Calculated Soil Moisture Ranking Percentile valid March 18, 2026 The Outlook for April has condition improving for Louisiana. Southern Mississippi still remains at a higher risk. Conditions will likely continue until we have sufficient rains. To reduce the risk of wildfires, check with local officials before burning. Fire Hazard Impacts Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast High pressure will be in place over much the SE United States and that will keep the local area dry. Little to no rainfall is expected throughout the seven day forecast period. Monthly Temperature and Rainfall Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The Monthly Temperature Outlook for April continues to show a strong trend for above normal temperatures. Rainfall has equal chances of being either below or above average. Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Agricultural Impacts Spring planting or early season crops could be adversely affected. Agricultural communities may have to depend on irrigation more heavily. Stock ponds could also be affected. Fire Hazard Impacts The wildfire threat remains high and has increased across much of the deep South. Any areas that have burn bans will likely see those continue. Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality, water provider, and local Emergency Management for any mitigation information Other Information Please encourage use of the CMOR (link above) to report drought impacts. Public reports and information helps to assess the impacts of drought. For Questions or comments please contact: julie.lesko@noaa.gov