Report shows less of Indiana in extreme drought

INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WANE) -- Recent rains have helped relieve drought conditions across parts of Indiana, although an updated federal report still lists nearly half the state in at least extreme drought.

The new U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday says about 17 percent of Indiana is in the worst category with exceptional drought. That designation covers the state's southwestern corner from around Terre Haute to the Evansville area.

The most significant rainfall in the last couple weeks has been across northern Indiana, leading to less-serious designations for counties across that area.

But experts say northeast Indiana isn't out of the clear yet.  Not only will the area have to continue its wet streak, but it has to make up for the damage done earlier in the summer.

"Generally in Indiana, I think the annual precipitation is 35 inches.  We're still seven inches behind," said Ricky Kemery, Purdue horticulture educator.  "Not only do you have to receive normal rainfall to help replenish everything, you have to receive above-average rainfall to make up for the difference."

Much of the corn crop in northeast Indiana is said to be too far gone.  But Kemery said there is still hope for soybeans if the rain continues.

"We'll always need more rain to keep up with the levels and help replenish supplies," Kemery said.  "The question is, do you get not enough or do you get too much.  It's very rarely that you get just the right amount."

The federal report classifies 46 percent of Indiana in extreme or exceptional drought, down from nearly 69 percent last week.
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Indiana drought report: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM--state.htm?IN,MW