Indiana

Drought concerns loom as Indiana faces hot, dry weather

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2024

Drought concerns loom as Indiana faces hot, dry weather

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As we approach the tail end of summer, Indiana has been fortunate in avoiding significant drought conditions.

However, recent weeks of scorching heat and dry weather have left the ground parched, raising concerns about the potential impacts of a late summer and early fall drought. While we’re expecting some relief in the form of rain over the next two days, the forecast suggests a return to cooler, drier weather by Sunday or Monday. With temperatures predicted to dip into the 70s, the risk of drought could stabilize, but there’s still reason to stay vigilant.

Drought during this time of year can have several significant impacts. One of the most immediate concerns is the effect on crops, especially soybeans and corn. These crops are in crucial stages of development, and a lack of sufficient moisture can stunt their growth, leading to reduced yields. Corn, in particular, may suffer from poor kernel development, while soybeans could produce fewer pods, directly affecting the overall harvest and economic outcomes for farmers.

Beyond agriculture, the state’s natural beauty might also take a hit. Indiana is known for its vibrant fall foliage, but drought conditions can delay or mute the colors we typically see. Trees stressed by drought may shed leaves earlier than usual, leading to a shorter, less colorful fall season.

Additionally, while Indiana isn’t typically known for wildfires, drought conditions can increase the risk of grass and brush fires, especially in rural and forested areas. These fires, though usually small, can still pose a threat to property and natural habitats.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to conserve water wherever possible and follow any local advisories, including potential burn bans. Looking ahead, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for the rain expected in the coming days, which could help ease the situation. However, with cooler, drier weather on the horizon, we must remain prepared for the possibility that drought conditions could persist or worsen.

As we monitor the forecast, let’s stay cool during the expected dry patch next week and hope that temperatures in the 70s help to prevent the situation from escalating.

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Indiana

Search underway for missing child in East Fork White River

Published

3 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Press Room

Search underway for missing child in East Fork White River

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — A search is underway for an 11-year-old child after going missing in East Fork White River on Tuesday.

According to a release sent by the Columbus Fire Department, at approximately 6:39 p.m. firefighters and the Bartholomew County water rescue team responded to Mill Race Park on reports of a missing child who went under the water and did not resurface.

Responders deployed numerous boats to search the last known location of the child and down stream portion of the river.

The fire department says operations are ongoing at this time and have not released any further information.

Photo Provided by Columbus Fire Department

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Indiana

Warm, windy with strong storms possible | March 31, 2026

Published

15 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Press Room

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH-TV) – Warm and windy conditions today. We will see rain chances increase throughout the week. Several rain chances along with even some strongest severe thunderstorms could be possible. Temperatures remain above normal for this time of year through the weekend.

TODAY: Partly to mostly cloudy conditions expected during the day. It will be windy once again. Winds will be out of the south and may gust a little higher than yesterday around 30 to 40 mph.

High temperatures will be right around 81 degrees. The record for today is 85.

There may be a scattered shower that could develop after the lunch hour. But a better chance of showers and storms later this evening

TONIGHT: Showers and thunderstorms could be possible across parts of North Central and northern sections of Indiana. Some of those could be on the stronger side with some gusty winds and heavy rainfall. Low temperatures will fall right around 58.

TOMORROW: More showers and thunderstorms will be possible on Wednesday. A boundary will be set up right across parts of Central Indiana. This will bring us more rain chances on and off throughout the day. Look for temperatures to be right around 65. North of Indianapolis temperatures will be a bit cooler and south of Indy temperatures will be a bit warmer.

7 DAY EXTENDED FORECAST: Much of the day on Thursday will be dry with partly to mostly cloudy skies. It’s going to be warm with high temperatures soaring near 78 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms will develop later in the evening on Thursday as a cold front moves across the state. This will bring us a chance for some strong to maybe even severe thunderstorms late Thursday.

More scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible on Friday. With highs right around 76. Could also see some rain and thunderstorms for the first part of the weekend on Saturday with highs near 73. Easter Sunday does look dry and with some sunshine, but it will be much cooler. Highs will be in near 56.

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Indiana

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to join BP refinery union workers on Tuesday amid lockout

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to join BP refinery union workers on Tuesday amid lockout

March 30, 2026 / 8:25 PM CDT
/ CBS Chicago

Indiana Governor Mike Braun will join locked-out union members at the BP Whiting refinery on Tuesday morning.

Union leaders said that Braun will meet with workers picketing outside the company’s main offices in the 2800 block of Indianapolis Boulevard.

This comes after hundreds of workers were locked out of the BP refinery on March 19 after contract negotiations failed to produce a deal ahead of a midnight deadline. Since then, workers have been walking the picket lines.

Union leaders said negotiations have stalled for months, and are accusing BP of rejecting their proposals on jobs, pay, and safety. Union members said they are prepared to stay out on the picket lines 24/7 until there is movement at the bargaining table.

BP said it has made a comprehensive offer, and plans to continue operating the refinery with trained staff, adding that it does not expect disruptions to production.

The Whiting refinery is BP’s largest refinery in the world, producing 440,000 barrels a day. It is located less than 20 miles from downtown Chicago.

Braun is expected to join the union members around 9:15 p.m.

The video above is from a previous report.

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