Dry Spell Threatens Farmers and Gardeners in Midwest

Northeast Ohio and much of the state of Ohio are on the verge of a drought declaration due to prolonged hot and dry conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Drought Monitor Map took Ohio from perfectly fine to yellow, or D-0 conditions, in just one week from May 23 to May 30. Since then, there has been no rain and there is no significant rain in the foreseeable future. The dry conditions are leaving dry, brown yards, cracking soil, and wilting plants in outdoor gardens. Farmers are badly in need of rain, and many crops are in drought conditions.