Drought conditions improved across much of Northern Louisiana during the month of December. Widespread 5 to 7 inch rainfall amounts, with isolated higher amounts, were observed across the region during the month. This was due in part to a favorable subtropical jet pattern which allowed for a southwesterly storm track into the state of Texas. These storms systems were accompanied by Pacific and Gulf of Mexico moisture and the result was some much needed rainfall across the region.
The month of December, 2011 began with the eastern half of the state being classified as either D2 Severe or D3 Extreme drought conditions with the western third of the state classified as D4 Exceptional drought conditions. By the end of the month, all of northern Louisiana had been downgraded to D2 Severe drought conditions.
The following are a few selected cities across Northern Louisiana with their December rainfall totals and departures from normal as well as the 2011 rainfall totals and departures from normal.
Shreveport December rainfall was 7.88. The departure from normal was +3.11.
Shreveport yearly rainfall was 33.07. The departure from normal was -18.34.
Monroe December rainfall was 8.87. The departure from normal was +3.58.
Monroe yearly rainfall was 49.52. The departure from normal was -4.50.
Even with a deficit of 18.34 inches for the calender year 2011 in Shreveport, this ranked as only the 17th driest year of record with records dating back to 1872.

Drought in LINCOLN, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in LA SALLE, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in OUACHITA, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in SABINE, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in RED RIVER, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in WEBSTER, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in UNION, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in WINN, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in BIENVILLE, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in BOSSIER, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in CADDO, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in CALDWELL, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in DE SOTO, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in CLAIBORNE, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in JACKSON, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in GRANT, LOUISIANA
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager