Drought in Ashley, Arkansas

Drought conditions in Ashley County 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 far southeast Arkansas. Through the month of October, D2 (Severe Drought) conditions expanded to affect Ashley and Chicot Counties as depicted on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Average temperatures for the month ranged from 2 to 3 degrees F above normal. Observed precipitation values were around 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 by the end of October. This placed a severe stress on pastures for livestock and row crops near the end of the growing season. Streamflows on creeks and rivers were reduced.