Drought — De Soto, Louisiana

2026-01-08 to 2026-01-31 · De Soto, Louisiana

Wider weather episode

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 Desoto, Red River, Grant, and La Salle Parishes in North Louisiana from the second week of January through the end of the month. 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. Streamflow from area creeks and bayous also fell below to much below normal as well.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1313225. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.