2/15/2024

Last weekend a stationary front draped itself across the southern region bringing moderate to significant amounts of rainfall. Louisiana and Mississippi saw some of the largest weekly accumulations, leading to some isolated two-class improvements in Northeast Louisiana and Central Mississippi. Overall, widespread one-class improvements were seen throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Some more isolated one-class improvements were also seen in Southern Oklahoma and Central Texas. However, a lack of rainfall in the western portions of the region resulted in some small one-class degradations in Southwest and South Texas. Vast improvements in drought in the Eastern portion of the region led to the contraction of drought in the southern climate region, from 25% of the region experiencing some level of drought on November 6th, to now only 18%.

Looking into the future, as outlined by the Seasonal Drought Outlook, valid through the end of May, drought in the southern region isn't expected to change too much. Drought removal is likely in Central Louisiana and Tennessee. Drought is expected to remain, yet improve in Northwest Mississippi. Drought is expected to persist in West Texas and Central Texas. Finally, drought development is expected in Southwest Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley.