In the News

In early June, the entire Midwest region was drought-free. However, severely dry conditions and typical summer heat led to the return of drought, particularly across portions of the Ohio River Basin. According to the September 17 U.S. Drought Monitor, 33.3% of the Midwest region is in drought (D1-D4), with an additional 43.8% Abnormally Dry (D0).

In Ohio, 30% of the state is experiencing Extreme to Exceptional Drought (D3–D4), with Exceptional Drought present since late August. This is the first time Ohio has experienced Exceptional Drought since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000.

Drought impacts are extensive across Ohio, especially southern and southeastern sections of the state, including negative impacts to livestock production (selling herds, lack of forage, hauling water), crop production (reduction in yields for row and specialty crops), and municipal water supply, as well as extensive landscape impacts and elevated wildfire activity and risk.

Streamflows are extremely low across eastern portions of the Midwest. Much-below-normal streamflow on the Ohio River is contributing to low water on the Lower Mississippi River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are operating 4 dredges in the Lower Mississippi to maintain the 9-foot navigation channel and began constructing an underwater sill in Louisiana in mid-September to prevent upriver progression of saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico.

Below-normal flows are expected to persist in the Ohio Basin until at least late October or November, which means water levels are expected to continue to decrease on the Lower Mississippi River.

October 2024 outlooks and the seasonal outlook for September 19-December 31, 2024 favor conditions that are suitable for drought to persist across portions of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri through the end of December. Drought improvement or removal is predicted across northern portions of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as Wisconsin and Michigan by the end of the year.

Persistent drought will continue to stress agricultural and livestock production, amplify issues with municipal water supply, and increase fire risk this fall. Also, dry conditions in the fall and early winter will limit soil moisture recharge that usually happens this time of year.