Drought Information Statement for Southeast LA and Southwest MS Valid April 16, 2026 Issued By: NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge Contact Information: sr-lix.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated April 23, 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 Drought conditions now encompass all of Southern Louisiana and Mississippi as rainfall remains scarce. Drought intensity and extent: D3 (Exceptional Drought): Much of SE Louisiana and 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): Significant worsening has occurred across SE LA and portions of Southern MS No Change (Gray): No changes in category this week. Drought Improved (Greens): No improvements to drought occurred. Precipitation With dry weather continuing, all of the region is now in a rainfall deficit. Many areas have received less than an two inches of rain over the past month. This means that many locations have only received half, or even less, of the normal amount of rain that they should get for this time of year. Temperature The lack of rain is also accompanied by warmer that normal temperatures. The average temperature near the coastal areas have been near or within a degree or two of normal. However, areas near and north of the Coastal Lakes and in Coastal MS are still ranging 2 to 6 degrees above normal. Days 8 to 14 U.S. Hazards Outlook Valid Month DD to DD. Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture continues to remain depleted across LA and Southern MS There has been significant impacts to agriculture Reduced crop yields Livestock sales Poor grazing pasture conditions Winter planting may be delayed Agricultural Impacts Soils moistures are ranked well below normal. Spring planting and crops could be adversely impacted. Livestock ponds maybe running low. Fire Hazard Impacts Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. 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. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast High pressure will be in place over much of the area although some weather systems will move through. However, forecasted rainfall amounts over the next week are only around an inch to an inch and a half. Monthly Temperature and Rainfall Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage May’s Outlook for temperatures are indicating that the above normal warmth will continue. However, there is potential that more rainfall could occur. 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 For Questions or comments please contact: julie.lesko@noaa.gov