Drought Information Statement for Southeast TX and Southwest LA
Valid January, 23, 2026
Issued By: WFO Lake Charles, LA
Contact Information: 
This product will be updated January, 30, 2026 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/LCH/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. 
Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates.
DROUGHT CONDITIONS OVER MOST OF THE AREA CONTINUE TO WORSEN
SOME IMPROVEMENT WITH RECENT RAINFALL HAS BEEN NOTED ACROSS ACADIANA.
1

U.S. Drought Monitor
Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor


Drought Intensity and Extent
D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of Southeast Texas and Central Louisiana.
D1 (Moderate Drought): Much of the region north of I-10
D0: (Abnormally Dry): Parts of central and coastal Louisiana.

Recent Change in Drought Intensity
Link to the latest 4-week change map
Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. 
Drought Worsened: 1 to 3 category class changes have been noted across much of the area, especially Southeast Texas. 
 
Drought Improved: 1 to 2 category improvement has occurred across a small portion of Acadiana due to recent rainfall events.

For the past 30 days

Precipitation
With the exception of Vermilion Parish precipitation continues to below normal over the past 90 days.


For the past 90 days

Link to Southern Regional Climate Center
Temperature
Temperatures continue to be well above normal this winter season.


Summary of Impacts
Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter
Hydrologic Impacts 
Much below normal flows are observed on most river basins.

Agricultural Impacts
Severely Dry Crop Soil Moisture Index

Fire Hazard Impacts
Increased wildfire risk has been noted when coupled with low humidity and elevated winds.

Other Impacts
There are no known impacts at this time.

Mitigation Actions
Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information.


Much below normal flows are observed on most river basins.

Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts
Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 01 14 2026

Seven Day Precipitation Forecast
Three quarters to two  inches of rainfall is forecast over the next week. 

Drought Outlook
The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage
Drought conditions are expected to persist across most of the area. 
Links to the latest: