For those keeping track of my articles over the last few weeks, the outlooks of wetter and cooler than normal conditions have been the theme. The cooler temperatures never really came to fruition. In fact, most of Indiana was 1°F to 3°F above normal over the past two weeks (Figure 1)! Regarding the wetter-than-normal precipitation outlook, northern counties, northeastern Indiana, as well as along the Ohio River received above normal precipitation. However, the rest of the state experienced 1” to 2” less-than-normal precipitation over the past 2-week period (Figure 2). Even the above-normal precipitation in the northern and northeastern counties have had little impact relieving the developing drought conditions!

The past 30 days have been met with warmer than normal temperatures in the northern counties and drier than normal conditions throughout most of the state.  This warm and dry environment is conducive to developing drought – particularly with the increased evapotranspiration rates.  While climate outlooks are calling for increased confidence of above-normal precipitation throughout the rest of July, these events are likely to remain spotty with inconsistent coverage across the state. 

The forecasts and climate outlooks are still calling for hot and dry (though humid) conditions for the rest of July.