The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows that almost 70% of Indiana is dealing with drought in some capacity.

35.1% is under moderate drought while 34.7% is in severe drought. With severe drought, crop or pasture loss is likely and water restrictions can be imposed. Crops or pastures can be damaged under moderate drought and the water level of streams, reservoirs, and other bodies of water are low.

“We do have the severe drought classification across the northern part of the state. We really can’t catch a break. I mean this drought is really stemming back into October and even into September,” said Kyle Brown, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana.

The further south you go in Indiana, the drought is less of a factor, but even areas that aren’t dealing with drought are still considered abnormally dry. Brown says more than just a few days of rain are needed in order to put a dent in the drought conditions.

“We are seeing some slow germination within the winter wheat. Also, local farmers are having to bring in supplemental feed for any livestock. Some of them are even having to bring in water to their pastures. That’s a result of the low water levels we have across our area,” said Brown.

Even though rain is supposed to arrive in Indiana at some point this weekend, Brown isn’t optimistic about it bringing any significant positive results.

“It’s looking like Illinois might get the heavier rainfall totals,” said Brown.

Brown says Fort Wayne is approaching almost five inches of rain below normal for the calendar year.

“So it’s not likely that we would be able to get five inches of rain before the end of the year, but anything we could get could definitely help ease that drought,” said Brown.

Even if your county is not under a burn ban, Brown says it’s best if you don’t burn anything outside.​