March 2026
Precipitation
During March 2026, Indiana’s average precipitation and temperature were well above normal. The statewide monthly precipitation average was 172.5 percent of normal. The overall monthly temperature average for Indiana was 48.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 7.5 degrees above normal.
All nine of the climate divisions received much above normal precipitation for March (see Percent of Normal Precipitation Table). Climate Division 4 (WC) received the highest (212.7) percentage of normal precipitation for the month, while Climate Division 7 (SW) received the lowest (138.6) percentage.
Precipitation for the year to date (2026) ranges from 78.0% to 104.7% through March. Precipitation for the Water Year 2026 to date ranges from 74.3% to 93.0% through March. Over the 2-year period (from April 2024-March 2026), all nine climate divisions have received slightly below normal or near normal precipitation ranging from 83.5% for Climate Division 3 (NE) to 103.8% for Climate Division 8 (SC).
The 12-month SPI indices shows climate divisions 1(NW) and 3 (NE) in the “moderately dry” category and the remaining climate divisions in the “near normal” category. The 6-month SPI indices shows climate divisions 1(NW) and 3 (NE) in the “moderately dry” category and the remaining climate divisions in the “near normal” category. The 3-month SPI indices show all climate divisions in the “near normal” category. The 1-month SPI indices show climate divisions 4 (WC) and 5 (C) in the “very wet” category; climate divisions 2 (NC), 3 (NE), 6 (EC), and 9 (SE) in the “moderately wet” category; and the remaining climate divisions in the “near normal” category.
- Table of recent precipitation compared to normal for each climatic division of the state
- Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) drought maps for the state for current month.
- Explanation of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)
U. S. Drought Monitor
For April 7, 2026, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows the entire state out of drought and only a strip across northern Indiana and portions of the southwestern most counties are experiencing “Abnormally Dry” conditions. The U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook predicts the current drought conditions to remain but improve for the whole state by the end of June 2026
Streamflow
In March 2026, nine of the twelve streams included in drought reporting since 1999 had near normal to much above normal stream flow. St. Marys River at Decatur had the lowest mean monthly flow at 31%, and the East Fork White River at Seymour had the highest mean monthly flow at 254%.
Lake Michigan
On March 27, 2026, the Lake Michigan-Huron water level was 5 inches above the measurement taken on February 27, 2026, and 1 inch below the measurement taken on March 27, 2025. On March 27, 2026, the Michigan-Huron level was 577.92 feet, which is 22 inches above the lowest recorded monthly mean level for March set in 1964. A comparison of March monthly mean water levels to the long-term (1918-present) average shows Lakes Michigan-Huron water levels were about 7 inches below the average. All Lake Michigan-Huron data are referenced to the International Great Lakes Datum 1985.
The Lake Michigan-Huron water level is forecast by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to increase by 4-inches over the next month.
Reservoirs
On March 31, 2026, the water levels for all nine reservoirs monitored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were above the normal pool elevation. The deviation from normal pool ranged from +1.5 feet (Brookville) to +22.2 feet (Cagles Mill).
All three reservoirs monitored by Citizens Water (Morse, Geist, and Eagle Creek) were above their respective normal pool elevations as of March 31, 2026. The deviation from
normal pool ranged from +0.36 feet (Geist) to +0.82 feet (Eagle Creek).
Groundwater Levels
As of March 31, 2026, new water level data is available for all nine wells currently monitored. Data indicates that water levels remain below to well below normal for all nine wells: Laporte 9, Fulton 7, LaGrange 2, Vigo 7, Morgan 4, Randolph 3, Posey 3, Harrison 8, and Clark 20.
Real-time data is available for all of the wells and may be accessed on the U.S. Geological Survey website.
Acknowledgments
This report has been compiled from Division of Water data and from information supplied by the following:
Precipitation data:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Midwestern Regional Climate Center
Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI):
National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) and Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC)
Streamflow:
U.S. Geological Survey and State of Indiana cooperative program
Lake Michigan level data:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District
Reservoir data:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District
Groundwater level data:
U.S. Geological Survey and State of Indiana cooperative program
Temperature data:
Midwestern Regional Climate Center and Indiana State Climate Office, Purdue University
