Drought in Franklin, Louisiana

Drought conditions in Franklin Parish intensified from D3 (Extreme Drought) to D4 (Exceptional 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 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.