The combined effects of persistent above-normal temperatures and minimal precipitation starting in early July 2023 resulted in mounting drought impacts across portions of central and northeast Louisiana. Through the month of October, D2 (Severe Drought) to D3 (Extreme Drought) conditions as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor continued across areas north of Interstate 20. D4 (Exceptional Drought) Conditions expanded to encompass areas along and south of the Interstate. Average temperatures for the month ranged from 1 to 3 degrees F above normal, and several daily temperature records were set especially late in the month. Observed precipitation values were less than 25 percent of normal for the month. Soil moisture values continued to worsen through the month, with subsoil moisture values between 20 to 40 percent below normal for much of the affected area. This placed a severe stress on pastures for livestock and row crops at the end of the growing season. Streamflows on creeks and rivers were reduced.

Drought in RICHLAND, LOUISIANA
From 01-OCT-23 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Richland Parish persisted at D3 (Extreme Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in WEST CARROLL, LOUISIANA
From 01-OCT-23 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in West Carroll Parish persisted at D3 (Extreme Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in CONCORDIA, LOUISIANA
From 01-OCT-23 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Concordia Parish persisted at D4 (Exceptional Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in EAST CARROLL, LOUISIANA
From 01-OCT-23 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in East Carroll Parish persisted at D3 (Extreme Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in CATAHOULA, LOUISIANA
From 01-OCT-23 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Catahoula Parish persisted at D4 (Exceptional Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA
From 01-OCT-23 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Franklin Parish intensified from D3 (Extreme Drought) to D4 (Exceptional Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in MOREHOUSE, LOUISIANA
From 01-OCT-23 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Morehouse Parish persisted at D2 (Severe Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in TENSAS, LOUISIANA
From 01-OCT-23 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Tensas Parish intensified from D3 (Extreme Drought) to D4 (Exceptional Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in MADISON, LOUISIANA
From 01-OCT-23 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Madison Parish intensified from D3 (Extreme Drought) to D4 (Exceptional Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.