The Baton Rouge area is no longer under extreme drought, but severe drought continues.

After 2021 finished as the third wettest year on record for Baton Rouge, drought conditions persist across south Louisiana.

South Louisiana is still far behind on rainfall. So far this year, Baton Rouge has picked up 15.59 inches of rain. Baton Rouge typically accumulates 30.51 inches of rain by this week in the year.

There are five classifications of drought. 

D0 - Abnormally Dry

D1 - Moderate Drought

D2 - Severe Drought

D3 - Extreme Drought

D4 - Exceptional Drought

The Parishes in the WBRZ viewing area currently have drought conditions that range from moderately dry(D1) to severely dry(D2). Extreme drought is isolated to coastal locations.

As drought is uncommon for this region, the symptoms have been mild thus far. The few instances of grass fires in the area may become more common as drought continues. Under an extreme drought grass stops growing, trees are stressed and creeks and bayous are low. 

Historically, extreme drought conditions lead to a number of problems. Rice crops become more expensive to maintain, soybean yields are also reduced. While the rivers and bayous are low, saltwater can intrude. That makes river water too salty for irrigation. Trees continue to be drought stressed and the crawfish population falls. Water pressure may fall and officials may ask for voluntary water restrictions. The burn ban from February was lifted, but a new one could be added as fires become more difficult to extinguish. Springtime allergies may worsen and the air quality may drop. 

The drought conditions are monitored and updated weekly. Stay with The Storm Station for updates as they become available.