Drought — Tensas, Louisiana

2021-12-01 to 2021-12-31 · Tensas, Louisiana

Event narrative

The U.S. Drought Monitor indicated Severe Drought (D2) conditions across Tensas Parish during the month of December. Rainfall across the parish was generally around 50 percent of normal, and temperatures averaged around 10 degrees above normal through the month. The combination of warm and dry weather resulted in depleted soil moisture conditions and reduced flows on local bayous and streams. Impacts to agriculture were minimal during the month, but reduced short subsoil moisture conditions would be a problem headed into spring planting season if conditions did not improve. Wheat and cover crops were still in pretty good condition due to roughly weekly light rain showers across the parish.

Wider weather episode

Much of northeast Louisiana - including East Carroll, Franklin, Madison, Morehouse, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll Parishes - experienced Severe Drought (D2) conditions as depicted on the U.S Drought Monitor beginning in December. Rainfall through the Autumn ranged from around 25 to 50 percent of normal across the affected region. This dryness extended into December, in addition to above normal temperatures across the region. The combination resulted in depleted soil moisture conditions and reduced flows on local bayous, streams, and rivers. Impacts to agriculture were minimal during the month, but winter cover crops and pasture grasses were somewhat short and uneven due to mostly showery rain during the month. Some cattle were not gaining as much weight due to the warmer and drier weather. Some farm ponds were drying up.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 991406. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.