Kosciusko County — Local officials are urging residents to exercise caution as dry conditions continue across Indiana and Kosciusko County.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, portions of the county are classified as D0 (Abnormally Dry) and D1 (Moderate Drought).

Dry conditions and high temperatures in the mid-to upper 80s are expected today and Saturday. No rain is in the forecast until Late Monday night.

These designations indicate early-stage impacts on agriculture, water levels, and fire risk. While no formal restrictions have been implemented at this time, county leaders, emergency management, and public safety agencies are closely monitoring the situation.

Northern Indiana has seen little rain since early August.

No chance of rain is expected until Monday night, the National Weather Service said.

Key Concerns:

• Increased Fire Risk: Dry vegetation and low humidity elevate the potential for grass,
brush, and field fires. Residents are asked to avoid open burning and use extreme caution
with outdoor equipment, campfires, and discarded smoking materials.
• Agricultural Impacts: Farmers may begin to experience stress on crops and pasture
lands, and soil conditions may continue to decline without rainfall.

Public Safety Recommendations:

• Avoid unnecessary burning, including brush piles and recreational fires.
• Do not discard cigarettes or matches on the ground or in dry areas.
• Properly maintain farm and lawn equipment to prevent sparks.
• Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911.

Kosciusko County Emergency Management continues to coordinate with local fire departments, law enforcement, and state partners to assess evolving conditions. Should drought levels intensify or new restrictions become necessary, the appropriate steps will be taken.

Residents are encouraged to follow official channels for weather updates for current information.

For questions or additional guidance, please contact your local fire department or the Kosciusko County Emergency Management Agency at 574-371-2602.

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WARSAW — There's uncertainty and concern with this year’s corn and soybean crops in Indiana.

Usually, farm experts have a better idea of how Hoosier crops are shaping up by this time of the year, but a dry August has complicated that outlook.

"Ultimately, we've just had a very dry August. Unbelievably dry in many parts of the state," said Eric Pfeiffer, president of Hoosier Ag Today. "Boy, if you got some rain, you got lucky."

He says traditionally, when a major weather front passes through the region, farmers could count on large swaths of the state receiving rain, but that has changed in recent years.

Now, rain coverage is more spotty, he said.

"It can rain on one acre and you don't get anything on the next. That's just the reality the farmers are living in right now," he said.

He attributes it to shifting climate patterns

"You got guys on one side of the road and will  say, 'I've got record yields for both corn and beans, and then a person on the other side of the road that says, 'Nope, not this year."

"It's in bad shape," he added.

The US Department of Agriculture put out their expectations last month and predicted record yields for Indiana corn and soybeans, but Pfeifer said those were based on conditions on Aug. 1. 

Those predictions were the topic of a podcast by Hoosier Ag Today.

“The yield predictions were pretty far off for USDA,” Pfeiffer said.

He said there may be some clarity in the next projections expected to be released this month.

The post Corn, soybean yields across Indiana uncertain after ‘very dry’ August appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Gusty winds are forecast for Tuesday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning about concerns about an increased chance of field fires.

The ban is in effect from 1 to 8 p.m. today and includes Kosciusko, Fulton, Marshal, Whitley and Wabash counties.

Kosciusko County issued a burn ban last week because of dry conditions and the weather service warning comes as wind gusts are expected to reach 35-40 mph.

Fueling concerns are above-normal temperatures and a lack of humidity. Today's forecast calls for sunny conditions and a high near 81.

"If you get any of these kinds of conditions, any kind of sparks can ignite a big fire and can get out of control really fast," said Meteorologist Megan Dodson.

Similar conditions are expected for Wednesday before cooler temperatures and rain arrive on Thursday.

It's been two years since the weather service issued a fire weather watch, Dodson said.

[caption id="attachment_100848" align="aligncenter" width="736"] Graphic from the National Weather Service.[/caption]

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