Drought conditions have been seen across the Miami Valley area as the Dayton Greater area has not seen rainfall in over two weeks, and the Miami Valley isn’t the only place in the state of even the country feeling the heat. Southwest Ohio is handling one of many harsh droughts across the country. Droughts have also been seen in Texas and Montana.
In addition, Ohio state fire marshal Kevin Reardon has issued burn bans in 24 counties mostly East of the Miami Valley. A burn ban is a ban on things like lighting fireworks, having a campfire or bonfire, and throwing down burning or smoldering materials on the ground, including matches or cigarettes. You can find the full list and more information here. The bans do not currently affect the Miami Valley, however, a fire could still very quickly spread out of control due to dry soil and grass. Because of this, there is a possibility these bans could extend to other Ares in Ohio, including the Miami Valley.
Local governments such as Bellbrook are also asking people to voluntarily lower their water usage.
The drought has also affected farmers in the region. In an interview with WDTN Glenn Monnin, owner of Monnin’s Fruit Farm, “It was a good growing season up here till the last two months” (Saliga, Sept. 9th).
Drought conditions are expected to continue as rainfall chances for and Saturday the 14th Sunday the 15 dropped due to high pressure near Lake Erie.
