Drought in Louisiana, January 1 to 31, 2026

An extended period of below normal rainfall coupled with much above normal temperatures from September through December 2025 led to the development of severe (D2) drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor across much of Sabine, Natchitoches, and Winn Parishes in North Louisiana. During this time, rainfall amounts ranged from 6-8 inches, which was only 25-30% of normal, resulting in considerable hardships from area agricultural producers. Pastures had become dormant early, forcing farmers to provide hay and other supplemental feed much earlier than normal, as well as water as multiple ponds had dried up. An increase in wildfires was also noted especially as lower humidities to end the year accelerated the drying of fuels. Streamflow from area creeks and bayous also fell below to much below normal as well.