Drought Information Statement for Northern IN, Southern MI, Northwest OH Valid October 7, 2025 Issued By: NWS Northern Indiana on October 9th, 2025 Contact Information: nws.northernindiana@noaa.gov 574-834-1104 This product will be updated on or after October 16, 2025. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/iwx/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates. Drought conditions have worsened as Extreme Drought (level 3 of 4) has expanded across NW Ohio along the US 24 corridor and into Adams, Cass, and Miami counties in Indiana. Moderate Drought (level 1 of 4) has expanded across far northeast Indiana and southwest Lower Michigan. Very localized amounts of 0.50” to 0.75” fell in some spots over the past week, which is still not enough to offset ongoing drought. Very little, if any, rain is expected in the next 7 days. U.S. Drought Monitor D3 (Extreme Drought): In northwest Ohio along US 24 and in parts of Allen, Adams, Miami, and Cass counties in Indiana D2 (Severe Drought): Many Indiana and Ohio counties along and south of US 24 D1 (Moderate Drought): Most of southwest Lower Michigan, northern Indiana north of US 24, and far northwest Ohio D0 (Abnormally Dry): Manly in northwest Indiana and parts of far northeast Indiana and southwest Lower Michigan Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change: Drought conditions have worsened across parts of northern Indiana and northwest Ohio. There was no improvement in any of our 37 counties this week. Precipitation A significant drying trend continues as much of the area did not get any rain in the past 7 days. Very localized rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.75 inches fell on October 7th in SW Lower Michigan and far northern Indiana. For a majority of the area, 30-day rainfall has been only 25-50% of normal or less. Summary of Impacts 28-day streamflows, according to USGS data, are in the 10th to 25th percentile. River and stream levels are very low and some creeks have stopped flowing according to CoCoRaHS Condition Monitoring reports. Agricultural Impacts Harvest yields for corns and soybeans are widely variable between early and later planted crops. Moisture in soybean crops is between 8-11% and in corn is between 13-21%, per the State Climate Office of Ohio. Fire Hazard Impacts More burn bans are in effect than last week, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Numerous field fires have occurred in northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana within the past two weeks. Other Impacts Grass is very dry and in some instances, especially in the Extreme Drought area, going dormant. Fall foliage may not reach peak color this year. Many trees are losing leaves prematurely; recent observations state leaves change from green to a dull yellow or brown and then drop. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid April 9, 2025 Streamflows are below normal (orange), reading only 10% to 24% of normal in north central Indiana. Streamflows are well below normal (red), reading less than 10% of normal in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Agricultural Impacts Soil moisture continues to deteriorate, especially in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Image Captions: Left: CPC Calculated Soil Moisture Ranking Percentile valid October 8, 2025 Above: Crop Moisture Index by Division. Weekly value for period ending October 4, 2025 Fire Hazard Impacts Some counties in Indiana are choosing to enact local burn bans as a result of ongoing drought. The Indiana Burn Ban Map as of 1 PM EDT October 9th shows countywide burn bans in place for portions of northern and central Indiana. Local area bans are in effect in La Porte County. See the latest map here. Burn bans are in effect for the counties highlighted in red. Ohio and Michigan residents can contact local officials regarding any possible local restrictions. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Dry conditions persist with rare opportunities for rain in the next 7 to 10 days. The only chances for rain will be October 10th and 11th, mainly in SW Lower Michigan. The most recent 7 day precipitation forecast from the NWS Weather Prediction Center shows very little, if any, rain. Only up to 0.10” is forecast across SW Lower Michigan. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought conditions are anticipated to develop and/or persist through the fall, according to the Climate Prediction Center Precipitation departures: Fort Wayne has only picked up about 0.25” of rain since September 21st. South Bend has only picked up about 0.75” of rain since September 21st. September, October, and November are typically drier months for our area, although this fall has been much drier than usual. Fort Wayne and South Bend are on track for a Top 10 driest fall on record if recent trends continue.