Aside from southern and far northern Indiana, the rest of the state has generally received below normal precipitation over the past 30 days (Figure 1).  While only a few localized areas show percentages below the 30 percent-of-normal level (one of the factors considered to recommend the Abnormally Dry (D0) classification to the U.S. Drought Monitor authors), other factors are suggesting something may be developing.  A challenge has been the very spotty nature of heavy precipitation events in the broad region that has caused localized flooded areas nearby areas that seem to keep missing out.  The Indiana state drought monitoring team has also been looking at other factors such as evapotranspiration, soil moisture, stream and lake levels, and groundwater levels.  Several of those factors did suggest the area was already abnormally dry so without significant additional precipitation most of Indiana is likely to enter the D0 category soon.  Rumors will start[Read More…]