August 2026
Precipitation
During August 2026, Indiana’s average precipitation was well above normal, with a statewide monthly precipitation average of 200 percent normal. The overall monthly temperature average for Indiana was 73.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 0.9 degrees above normal.
All nine climate divisions received above to much above normal precipitation for August (see Percent of Normal Precipitation Table). Climate Division 6 (EC) received the highest (342.1) percentage of normal precipitation for the month, while Climate Division 7 (SW) received the lowest (126.3) percentage.
Precipitation for the year to date (2026) ranges from 102.3% to 129.0% through August. Precipitation for the Water Year 2026 to date ranges from 95.0% to 114.8% through August. Over the 2-year period (from September 2024-August 2026), six of the nine climate divisions have received above normal precipitation ranging from 88.1% for Climate Division 3 (NE) to 110.1% for Climate Division 8 (SC).
The 12-month SPI indices show Climate Division 6 (EC) and Climate Division 9 (SE) in the “moderately wet” category and the remaining climate divisions in the “near normal” category. The 6-month SPI indices show Climate Divisions 7 (SW) in the “moderately wet” category and the remaining climate divisions in the “extremely wet” category. The 3-month SPI indices show climate divisions 1 (NW) and 6 (EC) in the “extremely wet” category; climate divisions 2 (NC), 4 (WC), and 5 (C) in the “very wet” category; and the remaining climate divisions in the “moderately wet” category. The 1-month SPI indices show climate divisions 3 (NE), 4 (WC), 5 (C), and 6 (EC) in the “extremely wet” category; climate divisions 1 (NE), 2 (NC), and 9 (SE) in the “very 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 September 8, 2026, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows isolated spots of “abnormally dry” conditions in the southwest and south-central part of the state and no drought conditions for the rest of Indiana. The U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook predicts no drought conditions through at least the end of November 2026.
Streamflow
In August 2026, all twelve of the twelve streams included in drought reporting since 1999 had above normal to significantly above normal stream flow. Eel River at North Manchester had the lowest mean monthly flow at 116%, and the Whitewater River near Alpine had the highest mean monthly flow at 1554%.
Lake Michigan
On August 28, 2026, the Lake Michigan-Huron water level was 2 inches below the
measurement taken on July 28, 2026, and 6 inches above the measurement taken on
August 28, 2025. On August 31, 2026, the Michigan-Huron mean level was 579.30 feet,
which is 32 inches above the lowest recorded monthly mean level for August set in 1964. A
comparison of August monthly mean water levels to the long-term (1918-present)
average shows Lakes Michigan-Huron water levels were equal to 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 decrease 2 inches over the next month.
Reservoirs
On August 31, 2026, the water levels for all eight reservoirs monitored by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers were above the normal pool elevation. The deviation from normal
pool ranged from +0.6 feet (Monroe) to +17.02 feet (Roush).
Two of the three reservoirs monitored by Citizens Water (Morse, Geist, and Eagle Creek)
were above their respective normal pool elevations as of August 31, 2026. The deviation
from normal pool ranged from +0.28 feet (Geist) to +0.58 (Eagle Creek).
Groundwater Levels
As of August 31, 2026, new water level data is available for all nine wells currently monitored. Data indicates that water level is above normal for four of the nine wells: Vigo 7, Morgan 4, Randolph 3, and Posey 3. Data indicates that the water level is near normal for Laporte 9, Fulton 7, Clark 20, and Harrison 8; and water level remains well below normal for LaGrange 2.
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
