UPDATE FROM STATE CLIMATOLOGIST, JAY GRYMES 10.20.26

Drought continues to plague most of Louisiana and has markedly intensified in parts of the state over the past 30-60 days.  A wholesale lack of rainfall coupled with continued above-normal temperatures have maintained elevated ET rates over the past two months or more.

Expect to see further degradations virtually statewide with Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, with expansion of D3 (‘Extreme Drought’) and D4 (‘Exceptional Drought’) across a large portion of the state.

Pastures are suffering, especially over the northern half of Louisiana, with 32% of the state’s pastureland rated as “Poor to Very Poor” and Topsoil Moisture rated as “Short to Very Short” for 86% of the state.  (These statistics provided by USDA/NASS Weekly Crop Progress Report, as of 18 Oct 2026).

Wildfires are becoming an ever-increasing problem as well.  Preliminary numbers from LDAF suggest as many as 80+ fires in the state in recent weeks, reflecting the dryness of the environment and also putting a strain on LDAF, USFS, and local fire departments.

Thanks to:

Louisiana Drought Team

NWS offices serving Louisiana: SHV, JAN, LCH & LIX

LA Dept. of Ag & Forestry

UL-Monroe Mesonet Team, ULM Atmospheric Science

TAMU Southern Regional Climate Center

WeatherModels.com

GOHSEP & LSU