Drought Information Statement for Southeast LA and Southwest MS Valid November 23, 2023 Issued By: NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge Contact Information: sr-lix.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated Nov 30, 2023 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/lix/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for SE Louisiana and SW Mississippi Some minor improvements for southwestern and coastal Mississippi, including parts of coastal southeastern Louisiana. However, Exceptional Drought remains in place across most of the area. Drought intensity and extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): Extensive D4 drought covers all of SE LA and much Southern MS D3 (Extreme Drought) to D2 (Severe Drought): Mainly central and eastern Coastal MS, and far southeastern coastal Louisiana. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for SE Louisiana and SW Mississippi One Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Worsened: No Change (Yellows) No Change: For the majority of the area (Gray) Drought Improved: Some areas of southwestern Mississippi, coastal southeastern Mississippi and coastal southeastern Louisiana ( Greens) Precipitation Recent system late Monday into Tuesday brought some minor relief to parts of the area. However, we still remain significantly below normal with rainfall amounts. Temperature Temperatures over the last 30 days were averaging slightly above normal A cold front will pass through the area on Sunday bringing another cool down. Fire Hazard Impacts Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. The updated Outlook for November still has the wildfire potential remaining high. Locally, recent rains has aided in the reduction of critical burning conditions with statewide burn bans dropped. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Next chance at widespread measurable precipitation is expected with the arrival of a cold front on Sunday. Cooler temperatures will return behind the front, and remain dry thru the middle of next week. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The December’s outlook hints that there is a chance that slightly above normal temperatures will continue. There is slight confidence that rainfall could be above average which would be beneficial considering the level of drought. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The Monthly Drought Outlook for November has the drought conditions persisting. Categories may improve or worsen at times depending on temperatures and rainfall Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts Drinking water has been compromised for some communities along the Mississippi River due to salt water intrusion Recreational boating and commercial industry navigation are impacted by low water levels Agricultural Impacts Reports of poor crop conditions and decreased harvests Increased livestock sales due to lack of resources; poor grazing conditions Winter planting could be delayed and crops affected Fire Hazard Impacts Per Louisiana State Fire Marshall's office, statewide burn ban was lifted onTuesday, November 21st. Mitigation Actions Some areas are encouraging water voluntary water restrictions Mandatory may become necessary Water Conservation is encouraged in drought areas Please refer to your municipality, water provider, and local Emergency Management for mitigation information Other Information Please encourage use of the CMOR (link above) to report drought impacts For Questions or comments please contact: julie.lesko@noaa.gov