10/17/2025
☀️ Drought Update—As noted in last week's update, this week's map reflects the precipitation that southern and eastern Ohio received Oct. 7.
Here's a more-detailed update from our state climate and weather expert, Aaron Wilson:
While the front (Oct. 7) produced cooler temperatures immediately following its passage, temperatures rebounded and overall were above normal this week (1-2°F above normal for October 8 – 15). Precipitation observations and impacts considered for this week’s update have brought widespread improvement to the southern and eastern counties, while drought conditions continue to intensify in northwest Ohio. This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor shows ~10% of the state is in D3-extreme drought conditions (a slight uptick over last week) while ~20% of the state is at D2 or worse. Overall, the total area of Ohio in drought (D1-D3) has reduced from ~73% to ~37%. As we move later into the fall, significant visual impacts to vegetation and crops are less apparent, though the drought is having an impact on fall color. Hydrology effects remain as well, (e.g., river flows, lakes, wells). Temperatures will trend warmer over the next couple of days (October 16-18), hitting the upper-70s to mid-80s on Saturday before another robust system brings showers, storms, and gusty winds to Ohio through Sunday. Current forecast totals would signal additional improvements in Ohio or at least a temporary halt to the drought’s expansion across northwest Ohio depending on totals and soil moisture recharge. Public reports of conditions are always welcome and can be made by visiting https://bit.ly/3KSHAl0. Our next update will be provided on October 23, 2025.
