Nearly 80 Percent of Indiana Listed in Drought

The parched conditions are worsening for much of Indiana, with a new report listing the state’s southwestern corner in extreme drought and nearly 80 percent of the state in at least moderate drought.

The new U.S. Drought Monitor map released on June 21 shows counties in the Evansville area with the driest conditions. A wide swath of the state from around Lafayette to north of Fort Wayne is show in severe drought.

More than 40 of Indiana’s 92 counties have implemented open burning bans, with local officials worried about fires spreading quickly from tinder-dry grass and vegetation.

Much of the state has gone weeks without significant rain. The National Weather Service has recorded rainfall of less than one-tenth of an inch for June in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne through June 20.