Drought Information Statement for Southeast LA and Southwest MS Valid April 23, 2026 Issued By: NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge Contact Information: sr-lix.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated April 30, 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 has increased by one category across Southern and Coastal Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana. Drought intensity and extent: D3 (Exceptional Drought): Much of SE Louisiana and Western Wilkinson County in SW MS D2 (Severe Drought): Areas of Southeast Louisiana; Nearly all of Southwest and Coastal Mississippi D0-D1 (Abnormally Dry to Moderate Drought): Florida Parishes in Southeast and South-central Louisiana 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): Drought worsened across Southern and Coastal Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana No Change (Gray): No changes in category this week. Drought Improved (Greens): No improvements to drought occurred. Precipitation Then rainfall deficit continues to grow as little rain was noted over the last few weeks. Many locations have only received about 25 to 70% of the rainfall they normal see during the last month. Temperature Warmer weather remains in place across the region as above normal temperatures continue. Locations near and north of the Coastal Lakes and in Coastal MS are still 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. 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 Some unsettled weather will be possible over the next week and will bring rain chances back to the forecast. Expected rainfall amounts are not expected to be significant, with only around an inch and a half or less. 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 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. A Drought Declaration Disaster has been declared for many Louisiana parishes and Mississippi counties. Other Information Please encourage use of the CMOR (link above) to report drought impacts For Questions or comments please contact: julie.lesko@noaa.gov