INDIANA, USA — September is a drier month for Indiana, which is part of the harvest cycle as crops dry out and begin to be harvested. However, the rain chances look very slim the rest of the month. On average, we get 3" of rain this month, but we may be well below that if we don't get more systems here to Indiana soon.
Tap HERE for the latest rain forecast for central Indiana.
We have had some pockets of rain for parts of central Indiana the past couple of weeks. The problem has been the coverage. These storms haven't been that big and didn't move very much. A few folks have been soaked while others haven't picked up a drop.
Indiana could use a couple slow, soaking rains across the state, not just for a few.
Rain chances looking ahead
The Midwest and Great Lakes are looking drier than normal for much of mid-September. Many in the region haven't picked up any rain yet for September, and some may not pick up any rain at all through the middle of the month.
Higher than normal rain chances are possible in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf Coast.
Latest drought analysis
NOAA and the National Drought Mitigation Center have released their update for drought conditions for early September. Yellow colors indicate "dry" areas, but not necessarily in drought. The browns and reds indicate drought. We are noticing more Level 1 drought (lowest level) for parts of eastern and southern Indiana.
August in Indianapolis:
Rainfall: 2.10"
Average: 3.20"
Departure: -1.10"
Flash drought chance increasing
NOAA has issued a "flash drought" potential for about 70% of Indiana.
A flash drought is a rapid onset of drought conditions when rain chances in the near future plummet, while warm, sunny weather helps dry out the vegetation and soil.
We have have some rain chances Friday, Sept. 5, however these rain will be hit-or-miss. The highest chance for some rain will be in southeastern Indiana. Even those who get some rain may not get a lot.