Drought in Howard, Arkansas

An extended period of below normal rainfall coupled with much above normal temperatures from October 2025 through the first couple weeks of January 2026 led to the development of severe (D2) drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor across Howard and Union Counties in Southwest Arkansas from the second week of January through the end of the month. During this time, rainfall amounts ranged from 6-8 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.