Louisiana

It’s been a rainy week, but drought persists in parts of Louisiana. Here’s why

Published

1 year ago

May 11, 2023

It’s been a rainy week, but drought persists in parts of Louisiana. Here’s why

Louisiana’s months-long drought could be coming to an end soon.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, a collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Drought Mitigation Center and U.S. Department of Agriculture, has designated most of southeast Louisiana as abnormally dry, with some areas experiencing moderate drought.

The drought began in mid-March, with over 10% of the state in drought conditions and 22% abnormally dry. It was expected to end by mid-June, but as of May 2 drought conditions in the state had barely changed.

USDM map of Louisiana’s drought conditions.

image via U.S. Drought Monitor

However, that earlier prediction was when a large portion of April was forecast to be wetter than normal. Last month, New Orleans’ rainfall amounts were about 2 in. below average. So far this month, New Orleans has gotten about 0.4 in of rain above average.

“That’s a drop in the bucket considering our average is close to 70 inches per year,” said Robert Frye, senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

So far in 2023, we’ve gotten a total of 13 in. of rain. That’s 7 in. less than the 20 in. average amount of rain New Orleans would usually get by this time of year.

The average amount of rain for May is about 5.6 in. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts Louisiana is 40-50% likely to have above average precipitation through the 24th. This will go down to 33-40% likely above average for the last week of the month.

There is hope in sight for rain to pick up this month. There’s a 70% chance of thunderstorms in New Orleans throughout the day Thursday, likely up to half an inch, with localized flooding possible.

New Orleans will continue to get more rain for the next week. There’s a 30% chance of rain Friday and chances of rain Monday and Tuesday, though rainfall amounts aren’t certain yet.

The Climate Prediction Center’s monthly drought outlook says that southeast Louisiana should have at least some drought relief by the end of May. It says however that drought removal will be likely through July if dry conditions persist.

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Related Topics:Drought Featured fej flooding louisiana climate Louisiana weather rain thunderstorms

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Louisiana

What Food Is the FDA Recalling in Louisiana?

Published

2 hours ago

June 16, 2024

Press Room

What Food Is the FDA Recalling in Louisiana?

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall of popular items due to concerns over Salmonella contamination.

When you eat food contaminated with Salmonella can really take a toll on your body. It triggers salmonellosis in which you can get stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever. It would not make a pleasant time. Between 12 hours through 72 hours after eating something contaminated with Salmonella you’ll start experiencing these issues.

Some of the items sold at Sam’s stores and Costco stores are being elevated in their risk level according to Newsweek.

While most people feel terrible they will eventually recover, but for older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, it may require a hospital stay.

If you love cookies then you need to check your refrigerator to see if you have any of the following cookie dough and don’t use it:

Stores like Sam’s, Costco, Panera Bread and more have the following items that are being recalled:

Costco Chocolate Chunk Frozen Cookie Dough, Net Wt. 33lb (14.97kg)

1.6 oz dough pucks Member’s Mark Chocolate Chunk, Net Wt. 14.85lb (6.74kg)

144/1.65 oz dough pucks/case Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie

Net Wt. 41.25 lb (18.71kg), 220/3 oz dough pucks/case Rise Baking Jumbo Chocolate Chunk

Net Wt. 37.5 lb (17.01 kg), 240/2.5 oz dough pucks/case Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie

Net Wt. 16.87 lb (7.65 kg), 600/0.45 oz dough pucks/case Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie

According to the FDA, they are recalling 30,000 cases of cookie dough to make sure no one consumes the products.

If you have any of the products above with the following lot codes, you should not consume them:

4109N1
4110N1
4106N3
4107N3
4108N3
4109N3
4110N3
4116N1
4117N1
4109N4
4110N4
4115N1

READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest

Read on to learn the average life expectancy in each state.

Gallery Credit: Hannah Lang

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Louisiana

Try your hand at micro gardening this summer. And bid farewell to Miss Louisiana 2023 Makenzie Scroggs

Published

9 hours ago

June 16, 2024

Press Room

Try your hand at micro gardening this summer. And bid farewell to Miss Louisiana 2023 Makenzie Scroggs

Take on a new hobby this summer with micro-gardening, a great way to grow a cost-effective and adaptable garden in a small space. Check out a few helpful tips to growing vegetables in small spaces. For those that enjoy nature and hunting, find out where you can hunt alligators in northwest and south Louisiana.

Whether you decide to celebrate Dad with a hunting trip or his favorite restaurant, here are ways to celebrate Father’s Day. And Miss Louisiana 2023 says goodbye to the crown.

Explore Outdoors: Gardening and hunting

Although a garden may feel like an impossible task due to limited outdoor space, the power of containers and small space strategies can help, according to an LSU AG Center news release.

This type of gardening is known as micro gardening — a way to maximize limited spaces. By optimizing small areas through sustainable practices, it’s possible to grow food and flowers on balconies, kitchen counters, patios, porches, small yards and even rooftops. Enjoy fresh produce and beautiful flowers regardless of their lot size with these helpful tips.

Read more about micro-gardening Grow a cost-effective and adaptable garden in a small space

Where can you hunt alligators in south Louisiana?

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will begin the alligator lottery harvest Aug. 28 and will last until Nov. 2. According to the LDWF, 22 LDWF Wildlife Management Areas, 28 public lakes and one U.S. Army Corp of Engineers lake will be on this list of properties to conduct the lottery.

Learn about fees, locations, and more Where can you hunt alligators in south Louisiana? LDWF releases list of locations

Best Father’s Day

Is your dad fashionable? Artistic? Sporty? Or a Foodie? This Father’s Day, plan the perfect day to appreciate the father figure in your life, even a the last minute. With so many great places in Lafayette, Father’s Day weekend can be celebrated right in the area with some of these local inspired gifts, outings, and eateries for Dad.

Ways to celebrate Father’s Day Whether dad is a foodie, artistic, or sporty, here are ways to celebrate Father’s Day

Crowning the new Queen

Before the new Miss Louisiana was crowned Saturday night, outgoing Miss Louisiana 2023 Makenzie Scroggs reflected on her reign. Scroggs was crowned the 60th Miss Louisiana on June 18, 2023.

Following her crowning, she told The Times she planned to use her title as a tool to show that women can do anything they put their minds to. In the past year, Scroggs has traveled 25,000 miles across the state and has visited more than 25 schools talking about her program and confidence-building workshops.

Read more about Scroggs journey Miss Louisiana Makenzie Scroggs reflects as she gets ready to say goodbye to the crown

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Louisiana

Miss Louisiana 2024 will be named from the 32 women across the state

Published

17 hours ago

June 15, 2024

Press Room

Miss Louisiana 2024 will be named from the 32 women across the state

Miss Louisiana will be named in a competition offering scholarships and in-kind prizes that concludes tonight.

After months of preparation, 32 women across Louisiana will compete in the final round at 8 p.m. at the Monroe Civic Center to see who will hold the coveted title over the next year.

The preliminary round of the competition resulted in over $10,000 in scholarships awarded and included competitions of health & fitness, evening wear, on-stage conversation and talent.

A spokesperson for the Miss Louisiana Organization said the women competing will be awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships and in-kind prizes for women who have achieved particular merit in their field by the end of the final round.

So far, the following women have received awards in the preliminary rounds:

Miss University of Louisiana at Monroe, Gabrelle McLeod. McLeod was awarded a $250 newcomer health & fitness award and a $500 overall preliminary health & fitness award.
Miss Ouachita Parish, Leah Thompson, received a $500 newcomer talent award.
Miss Belle of the D’Arbonne, Anna Katherine Thompson, won an overall talent award with a scholarship of $1,000.

Multiple women have received a “Women-in” scholarship of $1,000 for their accomplishments in their fields: