COLUMBUS, Ohio — Severe drought conditions continue to grip parts of Ohio, causing widespread concerns across the state. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a persistent ridge of high pressure over the central United States has brought extended periods of hotter-than-normal temperatures and scarce rainfall, leading to one of the driest summers on record. The situation has intensified, especially in Athens and Meigs counties, where conditions have reached an exceptional drought level—the most severe drought classification. This marks the first time in the 25-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor that such extreme conditions have been recorded in Ohio and parts of West Virginia.
The lack of significant rain across much of the state, coupled with a strong ridge of high pressure, has kept the central U.S. hot and dry. While cooler temperatures dominated the East and West coasts, the central U.S. experienced high heat, stretching from the Plains to the Upper Midwest, causing drought conditions to expand rapidly. Abnormal dryness and drought spread across the southern Plains, Tennessee, and Lower Mississippi Valleys, as well as parts of the Midwest, including Ohio. By the end of August, 63% of Ohio was classified as abnormally dry or worse, with 24% in severe drought and 12% facing extreme drought.
The impact on agriculture is profound. According to an August 19 crop progress report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Ohio Field Office, 43% of Ohio’s corn crop and 44% of the soybean crop are in fair to very poor condition. Additionally, 66% of pastures and ranges fall within the same category. With Ohio’s next chance of rain not expected until Friday, the agricultural outlook remains concerning.
