The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor now has over 87 percent of Indiana in some level of dryness and/or drought (Figure 1).
32 articles tagged "drought".
Max air temperatures for central and southern Indiana averaged 89- and 90-degrees F, respectively for the week of June 12th, 2022 which measured 10% above the 30-year average. In addition, air temperatures of 96-degrees F and above were observed during the week and record max air temperatures for this point in the season were observed in multiple locations across Indiana. Unfortunately, similar high temperatures are expected for the week of June 20th, combined with minimal chances for precipitation. Therefore, as high temperatures continue to persist and soils begin to dry out, this begs the question of what will happen to the corn crop? And, should I be concerned? The good news is that corn originated from a tropical grass and has been observed to withstand temperatures upwards of 112-degrees F for short periods, with plant growth typically decreasing when temperatures exceed 95-degrees F (Thomison, 2016). Therefore, temperatures in the[Read More…]
Precipitation and storm tracks this year seem to be stagnating in patterns that have caused some parts of Indiana to feel as if they are drowning and other parts to feel like they are in a drought.
Precipitation and storm tracks this year seem to be stagnating in patterns that have caused some parts of Indiana to feel as if they are drowning and other parts to feel like they are in a drought. Indiana is not a particularly large state, so it is impressive to see the extremes across such a short area. Sometimes, these extremes can be explained from just one or two storm events that pass through, but recently it seems to be a series of events that set up this polarized pattern of precipitation winners and losers. Figure 1 shows the 30-day accumulated precipitation presented as the percent of mean climatology for Indiana from July 21 to August 19. Central Indiana has been experiencing dry conditions with some locations only have received 25%-50% of what they would normally receive during that time period. In contrast, northeastern and southwestern Indiana have experienced a surplus[Read More…]
Well, it was a nice 4 weeks with no drought or abnormally dry designated areas across the state. Unfortunately, the lack of rain over the past few weeks have led to browning lawns, cracked soils, and other tell-tale signs that drought may be returning.
The news of the disastrous drought and extreme heat in the western United States (US) have local folks wondering if Indiana might be next.
Abnormally dry/drought conditions continue across most of Indiana.
Early season dry periods are historically not that common for the Eastern Corn Belt of the U.S.
The forecasts and climate outlooks over the next several weeks is calling for below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures (Figure 1).
Another period of rain passed through the state earlier this week, providing limited rain to the northeast and southern counties.
