Drought in Caldwell, Louisiana

An extended period of below normal rainfall coupled with much above normal temperatures from October 2025 through the first week of January 2026 led to the development of severe (D2) drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor across much of Bienville, Jackson, and Caldwell Parishes in North Louisiana during the second week of January. During this time, rainfall amounts ranged from 5-8 inches, which was only 25-30% of normal, resulting in considerable hardships from area agricultural producers. Pastures had become dormant early, forcing farmers to provide hay and other supplemental feed much earlier than normal, as well as water as multiple ponds had dried up. An increase in wildfires was also noted especially as lower humidities to end the year accelerated the drying of fuels. The severe drought was shortly lived though as widespread 1.5-3.0+ inch rains fell on January 9th which resulted in slight relief to the developing drought.