July 2026
Precipitation
During July 2026, Indiana’s average precipitation was generally below normal, with a statewide monthly precipitation average of 72.2 percent normal. The overall monthly temperature average for Indiana was 76.2 degrees Fahrenheit or 2.0 degrees above normal.
All nine climate divisions received below normal precipitation for July (see Percent of Normal Precipitation Table). Climate Division 2 (NC) received the highest (94.1) percentage of normal precipitation for the month, while Climate Division 5 (C) received the lowest (59.8) percentage.
Precipitation for the year to date (2026) ranges from 98.5% to 108.3% through July. Precipitation for the Water Year 2026 to date ranges from 88.3% to 101.1% through July. Over the 2-year period (from August 2024-July 2026), six of the nine climate divisions have received below normal precipitation ranging from 82.1% for Climate Division 3 (NE) to 108.0% for Climate Division 8 (SC).
The 12-month SPI indices show Climate Divisions 3 (NE) in the “moderately dry” category and the remaining climate divisions in the “near normal” category. The 6-month SPI indices show climate divisions 1 (NW), 2 (NC), 4 (WC), 5 (C), 8 (SC), and 9 (SE) in the “moderately wet” category and the remaining climate divisions in the “near normal” category. The 3-month SPI indices show Climate Division 8 (SC) in the “very wet” category; climate divisions 7 (SW) and 9 (SE) in the “moderately wet” category; and the remaining climate divisions in the “near normal” category. The 1-month SPI indices show all 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 August 4, 2026, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows “abnormally dry” conditions in the northeast 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 October 2026.
Streamflow
In July 2026, four of the twelve streams included in drought reporting since 1999 had above normal to much above normal stream flow. Muscatatuck River near Deputy had the lowest mean monthly flow at 17%, and the Kankakee River at Shelby had the highest mean monthly flow at 161%.
Lake Michigan
On July 31, 2026, the Lake Michigan-Huron water level was 1 inch below the measurement taken on July 1, 2026, and 6 inches above the measurement taken on July 31, 2025. On July 31, 2026, the Michigan-Huron mean level was 579.46 feet, which is 33 inches above the lowest recorded monthly mean level for June set in 1964. A comparison of July monthly mean water levels to the long-term (1918-present) average shows Lakes Michigan-Huron water levels were about 1 inch above 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 2, 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 +0.3 feet (Salamonie) to +6.2 feet (Patoka).
All three reservoirs monitored by Citizens Water (Morse, Geist, and Eagle Creek) were above their respective normal pool elevations as of August 3, 2026. The deviation from normal pool ranged from +0.43 feet (Geist) to +0.73 feet (Eagle Creek).
Groundwater Levels
As of July 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 five of the nine wells: Laporte 9, Fulton 7, LaGrange 2, Morgan 4, and Randolph 3. Data indicates that the water level is near normal for Vigo 7, 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
