Overall dry conditions that had resulted in Extreme Drought (D3) over north-central Indiana by late 2025 generally expanded and intensified throughout January 2026. While D2 and D3 levels were maintained from the previous month, a significant degradation occurred on the January 6th update, where D3 intensity expanded across the heart of the region. These drought conditions remained entrenched without improvement through the end of the month and continued into at least February 2026.
This status quo included a primary sub-region where D3 conditions expanded to cover the entirety of Howard County and much of Carroll and Delaware counties. Significant expansion of Severe Drought (D2) was also noted, moving to encompass the remainder of Clinton, Hamilton, and Vermillion counties. Meanwhile, D2 intensity was maintained across northern Henry County and northwestern Vigo County, with a small additional expansion into north-central Vigo. In the northeast, Tipton County saw an intensification as D3 pushed into its northern portions, while D3 remained fixed in the far northwestern corner of Randolph County.
Precipitation throughout January for these areas was critically low, with many totals falling between 0.75 and 1.25 inches. Specifically, Carroll, Randolph, and Howard counties saw meager totals of 0.75 to 1.10 inches, which directly triggered the expansion of D3 intensity. Even in areas like Henry County, which received a slightly higher 1.50 to 2.25 inches, the moisture was not enough to warrant improvement. These sustained deficits, often totaling less than 50% of normal monthly rainfall, ensured that the drought not only persisted but worsened across the central Indiana landscape.