Drought in Cross, Arkansas

D2 Severe Drought Conditions worsened to D3 Extreme Drought throughout the county by the end of the month.

A persistent pocket of Exceptional Drought (D4) stubbornly held its ground over portions of Southwest Craighead and Northwest Poinsett counties. Surrounding these areas, Extreme Drought (D3) covered a significant portion of the Delta. While the winter season kept agricultural activity low, the lack of recharge for ponds and groundwater was evident. By late March, as temperatures spiked above normal and dry conditions continued, local officials began eyeing the spring planting season with caution. Burn bans were eventually implemented in several counties across northeast Arkansas as the landscape remained dangerously dry.