Drought persists in region; rainfall deficit around 2 inches

Showers in forecast this week won’t impact rainfall deficit

Dry conditions continue to prevail across the Great Lake states and into New England, according to a U.S. Drought Monitor report released today.

The recent dry conditions started in May with that month seeing a deficit of nearly 2 inches of rainfall in Dayton alone. The northern Miami Valley through northern Ohio has experienced even less rainfall with moderate drought conditions now reported. Many farmers are seeing they crops beginning to show signs of stress, although not all locations.

With the dry conditions has come the heat. The dry ground tends to heat up faster as there is less evaporational cooling from vegetation. While some showers and storms are in the forecast to end the week, it will likely not be nearly enough to put any significant dent into the drought. It would likely take several slow and steady rain events to help bring ground water levels back to normal.

There are signs that a weather pattern change late next week could bring increased chances of rainfall. But don’t look for much relief from the heat. While we get a slight break from the humidity this weekend, the heat is forecast to build with highs in the 90s likely again by the middle of next week.