ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) – Sixteen counties across Mississippi are currently under burn bans, with 14 of those in the north Mississippi.

The bans come as an ongoing drought continues to worsen across the state.

Lowndes County became the latest to join the list, announcing its burn ban Sept. 25.

Itawamba County joined several other north Mississippi counties in enacting a burn ban earlier in the week. Many of the burn bans last until mid or late October and could be extended.

What the burn bans prohibit

Anything that can produce an ember is prohibited under the bans. This includes field burning, burn barrels, and campfires. Propane gas and charcoal grills are allowed.

Drought monitor shows worsening conditions

Much of the area is now under a moderate drought, according to the drought monitor.

Parts of Alcorn, Benton, Grenada and Prentiss counties are under a severe drought, with parts of Grenada County in an extreme drought.

Conditions are worse in the Delta around Greenville, where recent high heat and dry weather have led to some areas being placed under the highest category, exceptional drought.

It will take a lot of rain to end the drought, a process that could take several months.

Rain chances will be under 30 percent over the next five days and beyond, according to the report.

Fall foliage delayed by dry conditions

The ongoing drought is also affecting fall foliage in the Mid-South.

Peak fall color could come as late as the end of November. Some trees have already changed color slightly because they are in survival mode due to the drought.

Those trees have developed leaf scorch, where the edges of leaves turn brown and crisp, causing them to drop prematurely.

Without this response, trees could suffer structural damage and become more susceptible to disease and pests.

The lack of rain in north Mississippi and central Tennessee is slowing the color change.

Warm nights and dry soils in the northern and central districts of the Natchez Trace Parkway are causing delayed color change and some early leaf drop in stressed trees.

Park leaders say cooler nights and any upcoming rainfall could help jumpstart the season.