Watch: This TikTok Shows How Bad Louisiana’s Drought Really Is
When you think of Louisiana, you think of swamps and the mighty Mississippi, you don't think of droughts. However, we're still experiencing drought conditions well into fall...
What is a drought?
The U.S. Drought Monitor defines drought as, 'a moisture deficit bad enough to have social, environmental, or economic effects.' I'd say we're definitely there in Louisiana.
Is Louisiana in the middle of a drought?
If you hear someone say we really need some rain here in Louisiana, they aren't kidding. Yes, this summer was hotter than normal, but the lack of rain on top of it after all of those crazy, violent storms that kicked off the summer is the real issue. I'm already hearing that the ongoing drought conditions are affecting everything from rice to crawfish crops in Louisiana, which is bad news for any Southerner. Check out this graphic from the U.S. Drought Monitor. According to it, the majority of Louisiana is still experiencing D4 or 'Exceptional Drought.' That's the area in burgundy. The red area is considered D3 which is 'Extreme Drought,' and the orange and yellow areas indicate 'Severe' to 'Moderate Drought.' Imagine what that image must have looked like when we were still in the middle of 105° temps!?!?
It's all well and good to tell you about the drought in Louisiana, but this TikTok from Louisiana Crawfish Co. really highlights just how behind we are in Louisiana precipitation-wise. Check it out!
@louisianacrawfishcoWhat should we call this occurance? We stumble onto the wildest things on this property… I’d never seen anything like this! Hundreds of alligator gar fish bumping into us at each step! Who wants to come fishing?♬ original sound - louisianacrawfishco
@louisianacrawfishco Nothing ever works the first time… Beneath our feet, about 80 feet down, lies a vast aquifer, waiting to be tapped. As we penetrate the layers of sand and gravel, the promise of water becomes evident. With a modest 15 horsepower motor, submerged to avoid overheating, we unlock this natural reservoir. While full pond-filling is a lengthy endeavor, these pumps ensure ideal water levels, making crawfish come January a delightful certainty!
Is anyone else ready to do a rain dance with me?
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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF