Looking at the latest Crop Weather Report from the USDA, dry conditions in Indiana intensified last week as high temperatures outpaced the limited rainfall.

Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician at the USDA NASS Indiana Field Office, reported that topsoil moisture levels dropped, with only 46 percent rated as adequate or surplus. The state averaged 78.5 degrees Fahrenheit—6.3 degrees above normal—and received just 0.70 inches of rain, below the typical level.

The north and west regions faced the worst dryness. Despite this, corn and soybean progress remained ahead of the five-year average, though both crops saw slight declines in condition, raising concerns about yields.

Pasture conditions also worsened, with less than half in good to excellent shape. Meanwhile, the dry weather allowed for the third and fourth hay cuttings to continue ahead of schedule.

According to the latest outlook from the National Weather Service, the only chances for rain in the next 7 days is a 40 percent on Friday and a 30 percent Friday night.

After that, although pleasant with highs in the 70s and 80s, it will be sunny and dry now through  Tuesday September 10th.