Drought in Natchitoches, Louisiana

An extended period of below normal rainfall coupled with much above normal temperatures from Fall 2025 into Winter 2026 led to the continuation of severe (D2) drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor across much of West-central and Central Louisiana through the month of February. Rainfall amounts during February only tallied to 1.00-3.00 inches, which was only half or less the normal amount of rainfall for the month. Coupled with the consistently below normal rain observed since Fall 2025, considerable hardships from area agricultural producers continued, as 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 also persisted, with the above normal temperatures continuing the drying of fuels. Streamflow from area creeks and bayous also fell below to much below normal as well.