National Weather Service: More than half of Indiana in drought

In an exceptionally hot summer globally, Indiana is experiencing exceptionally dry conditions.  

52.8 percent of the state is under drought, while 97.6 percent is at least “abnormally dry,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS).  

Up to 80 percent of Indiana faced dry conditions last summer, but this year’s weather is more extreme.  

Some areas of northwestern Indiana are experiencing “severe drought,” which the NWS associates with likely crop loss, very high fire risk, common water shortages and possible restrictions on water use.   

NWS Service Hydrologist Crystalyne Pettet said the further Indiana gets into the growing season, the more water will be absorbed by the atmosphere and plants, a process called evapotranspiration.  

“When we’re running a deficit from normal, we need about an inch and a quarter to an inch and a half of rain a week just to be able to stay where we’re supposed to be,” she said. “We’ve been running much lower than that.”  

Indiana has already faced extreme weather this year, like heavy rain and tornados in the spring. Farmers are also feeling more pressure from rising fertilizer and diesel costs.  

Read more: Farmers worried about lowering crop prices  

With Fourth of July backyard cookouts and family camping trips on the horizon, Pettet said Hoosiers should be mindful of elevated fire risk.  

“When we’re dealing with drier than normal conditions, any kind of spark could start a fire that can rapidly grow out of control,” she said.  

According to the University of Nebraska Drought Monitor, 87.8 million Americans are currently living in drought areas.