According to the Drought Early Warning Update, the Midwest region is at an increased risk for drought development over the next few weeks. The affected states include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. These states have been drier than normal in the past 4-5 weeks.

The outlook indicates a strong possibility of above-normal temperatures and chances of below-average precipitation. The forecasted weather will likely worsen already dry conditions and potentially—and quickly—induce drought in some areas.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that parts of Missouri and western Iowa, approximately 9% of the region, are in drought. In particular, Missouri's moderate to extreme (D1–D3) drought has persisted since mid--April. According to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, attributing to these conditions are increasingly dry topsoil, poor pasture conditions in some areas, limited moisture for newly planted crops, lower-than-normal streamflow, and increased watering needs for gardens, perennials, and young trees. 

The Drought Early Warning Update is issued in partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to communicate a potential area of concern for drought expansion and/or development within the Midwest based on recent conditions and the upcoming forecast. The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and its partners ask that any drought conditions observed or heard of be reported via the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) from the National Drought Mitigation Center. NIDIS and its partners will issue future drought status updates as conditions evolve.

Read more by visiting the Drought Status Update.