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 September, D2 (Severe Drought) and D3 (Extreme Drought) conditions expanded to affect Franklin, Tensas, Richland, Madison, Morehouse, West Carroll, and East Carroll Parishes as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Conditions worsened to D4 (Exceptional Drought) conditions across Catahoula and Concordia Parishes. Average temperatures for the month ranged from 2 to 4 degrees F above normal, and several daily temperature records were set especially late in the month. Observed precipitation values ranged from 50 percent of normal to lower than 25 percent of normal. Soil moisture values continued to worsen through the month, with subsoil moisture values between 10 to 30 percent below normal for much of the affected area. This placed a severe stress on pastures for livestock and began to reduce expected yield from row crops. Streamflows on creeks and rivers were reduced.

Drought in CATAHOULA, LOUISIANA
From 01-SEP-23 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

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

Drought in CONCORDIA, LOUISIANA
From 01-SEP-23 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

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

Drought in FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA
From 01-SEP-23 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Concordia Parish intensified from D2 (Severe Drought) to D3 (Extreme Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in TENSAS, LOUISIANA
From 01-SEP-23 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Tensas Parish intensified from D2 (Severe Drought) to D3 (Extreme Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in RICHLAND, LOUISIANA
From 01-SEP-23 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Richland Parish intensified from D2 (Severe Drought) to D3 (Extreme Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in MADISON, LOUISIANA
From 01-SEP-23 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Madison Parish intensified from D2 (Severe Drought) to D3 (Extreme Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in WEST CARROLL, LOUISIANA
From 01-SEP-23 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in West Carroll Parish intensified from D1 (Moderate Drought) to D3 (Extreme Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in MOREHOUSE, LOUISIANA
From 01-SEP-23 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in Morehouse Parish intensified from D0 (Abnormally Dry) to D2 (Severe Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought in EAST CARROLL, LOUISIANA
From 01-SEP-23 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-23 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought conditions in East Carroll Parish intensified from D1 (Moderate Drought) to D3 (Extreme Drought) as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor.