Drought Information Statement for Southeast LA and Southwest MS Valid December 21 , 2023 Issued By: NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge Contact Information: sr-lix.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated Dec 28, 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. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for SE Louisiana and SW Mississippi Current drought conditions have remained steady this week. Drought intensity and extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): Mainly across areas south of Lake Pontchartrain D3 (Extreme Drought) to D2 (Severe Drought): Still covers a large portion of SE LA and Southern MS D1 (Moderate Drought) to D0 (Abnormally Dry): Coastal Mississippi 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: (Gray) Drought Improved: No Change (Greens) Precipitation Increasing rainfall events since mid november have helped improve the drought. The departure from normal percentages are currently well above 100% now given the amounts of rain that fell. Despite the recent 6 to 10 inches of rain, we are still below normal in some areas since the beginning of the year. Temperature The recent cold fronts have kept temperatures much more seasonable over the last 30 days Temperatures are within a few degrees of normal this time of year. Agricultural Impacts Summarize conditions/impacts here The outlook for December indicates that chances for wildfire has returned to normal conditions for Southeast Louisiana and Southern/Coastal Mississippi. Locally, a more active weather pattern has aided in the reduction of critical burning conditions with statewide burn bans dropped. Fire Hazard Impacts Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Higher rainfall amounts of 1.5” to 2.5” across the area are possible this weekend and into the Christmas Holiday. Dry weather will return for the middle of next week for a few days. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Links to the latest Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook. Summarize conditions and impacts here Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage December’s outlook indicates that above-normal temperatures will continue. There is high confidence that above normal rainfall is expected through the remainder of December. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The seasonal drought outlook thru March indicates the drought conditions may improve completely. 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 in Plaquemines Parish due to salt water intrusion Recreational boating and commercial industry navigation are impacted by low water levels Agricultural Impacts Winter planting could be delayed and crops affected Fire Hazard Impacts None known at this time. Mitigation Actions 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