Drought in Newton, Indiana

Severe drought conditions developed across northwestern Indiana during the latter part of October. Precipitation over the area was far below normal for the month. The Porter County Airport in Valparaiso recorded just 1.38 of rain for the entire month, 1.94 below its October normal. A number of cooperative observers from around Newton, Jasper, and Benton counties recorded less than an inch over the course of the month. Numerous wildfires occurred in October around NWS Chicago's county warning area, including one near Mount Ayr along the Newton-Jasper county line that burned nearly 300 acres. The severe drought continued into November.