Drought in Issaquena, Mississippi

Drought conditions in Issaquena County intensified from D1 (Moderate Drought) to D3 (Extreme 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 much of southern and central Mississippi. Through the month of September, D2 (Severe Drought) and D3 (Extreme Drought) conditions, as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor, expanded to affect areas generally from south of a line from Issaquena County to Neshoba County. D4 (Exceptional Drought) conditions developed through southwestern and central portions of the state including the Natchez, McComb, and Jackson areas. Average temperatures for the month in these areas ranged from 2 to 4 degrees F above normal, and several daily temperature records were 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 between 20 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. Pine plantations and Christmas tree farms experienced severe losses especially among younger trees. Streamflows on creeks and rivers were reduced.