Drought in Franklin, Louisiana

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

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 August, D2 (Severe Drought) conditions were common across Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, and Tensas Parishes as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Average temperatures for the month of August in the area ranged from 4 to 8 degrees F above normal, and were generally the warmest on record with many daily temperature records also set. 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 dropping to between 20 to 30 percent below normal of 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.