Severe to Extreme drought conditions declared for the Wabash Valley

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - - According to the U.S. Drought Monitor most of the Wabash Valley is now in the D2-D3 drought category which is considered an extreme drought.

Several counties throughout Indiana and Illinois have issued burn bans in response to the fire hazard the hot, dry weather has created.

The Terre Haute area has only received 14.46" of rain this year, more than 8" less than the average for the first six months of the year. There has only been about .09″ of rain for the month of June.

D4 is the highest category on the scale. D4 represents exceptional drought conditions.