Cleveland, Ohio – Drought conditions are worsening across Ohio this week as dry weather continues to grip much of the state, raising concerns for agriculture, fire risk, and water supply. Moderate Drought (D1) and Abnormal Dryness (D0) have now spread across portions of northern, western, and southeastern Ohio, with little relief in sight.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Cleveland and the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update released September 2, dry conditions are expected to persist for the next 6 to 10 days. A brief chance of showers may arrive late Friday into Saturday, but overall precipitation chances remain below average across most of the state.
Cuyahoga, Lorain, Erie, and parts of Lucas counties are currently seeing moderate drought classification, with agriculture officials monitoring potential stress on late-season crops. Meanwhile, Franklin, Licking, and Fairfield counties are on alert as abnormal dryness begins to emerge. Fire danger may increase in rural and wooded areas, especially with breezy conditions expected this weekend.
Residents are urged to conserve water, delay outdoor burning, and monitor local advisories from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the National Weather Service. While no statewide burn bans are currently in place, conditions could change rapidly if dryness continues.
A broader pattern of below-normal rainfall across the Midwest may lead to expanded drought classification in next week’s report.
