Dry weather wears on valley

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - With soil dry and cracking, plants drooping and lawns turning a desert brown, signs of the Wabash Valley’s dry spell are easy to see.

The National Weather Service reports that Terre Haute has had 8.13” less rain than average for the year so far. That shortage of rain has already led to lower water levels on some rivers and streams.

“We do see water tables down,” said Jim Luzar, educator with the Vigo County Purdue Extension. “For example, people out boating are noticing and commenting about shallower water tables.”

Luzar also pointed to the potential risk to corn and other crops posed by a shortage of rain and suggested that dry weather could inhibit corn pollination.

“We started out with a very good corn harvest estimate of 166 bushels nationwide,” Luzar said. “At this point, I don’t think there’s any way we’re going to achieve that national target.”

Luzar also said that routine watering of home-grown vegetables and flowers are important, and he recommends giving plants one inch of water each week.