Fort Wayne, IN – Northern Indiana and northwest Ohio are now experiencing the most severe drought conditions in more than a decade, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update released Thursday, October 2.
According to the National Weather Service, areas of Extreme Drought (D3) have expanded into Fort Wayne, Allen County, and parts of northwest Ohio along the U.S. 24 corridor. This marks the first time since August 2012 that Allen County, Indiana, has reached D3 status.
The report noted that about 8.5% of the forecast area is now under extreme drought. Moderate to severe drought (D1 and D2) classifications remain widespread across northern Indiana, while localized improvement occurred in Noble, Dekalb, and Steuben counties where 3–4 inches of rain fell last week.
Despite isolated relief, meteorologists warn that the region will stay dry through early next week. The next chance for rain arrives October 7–8, which could help determine if drought conditions improve or worsen moving deeper into fall.
Communities across northern Indiana and northwest Ohio are urged to conserve water and prepare for potential agricultural and environmental impacts if the dry stretch continues.
