Abnormally Dry (“D0” in the U.S. Drought Monitor [USDM]) conditions were starting to develop in several areas across northern Indiana by the end of July.  However, intermittent, spotty rain events as July transitioned to August seemed to occur in many of those places suggesting conditions were returning to normal.  Therefore, the only area of the state that is still considered Abnormally Dry is in the northeastern counties (Figure 1).  Periods of dryness are not uncommon, particular over the summer when warmer temperatures can accelerate evapotranspiration.  The challenge becomes assessing whether the drier periods are normal or abnormal.  For now, most of Indiana seems to be more normal.  Will this last? The rain forecast over the next 7 days (through August 14th) is predicting a chance of rain every day.  Those chances may range from 10% to over 80%.  This is often tricky to interpret.  If it does not rain in[Read More…]