The National Weather Service says South Bend is in a mini-drought, the city's eighth driest spring. With only 5.4 inches of rain, that poses a major threat to plants and grass.
Fires in this dry weather can start and spread very quickly. Crews have battled several over the past few days, including one in Granger Wednesday started by an unattended burn pile.
We're not seeing our typical spring of lush greenery and flowers in full bloom. Instead, everywhere you look – plants are parched. And some people are pulling out all the stops to make up for Mother Nature’s lack of nourishment.
"It’s just too dry," said gardener Ralph Radecki.
"We haven't had rain in a while," said another gardener, Mike Pluta.
From flowers to front lawns, just about every type of greenery is thirsting for water.
"We're watering at least two, three times as much," Radecki said.
Radecki isn't shy about his green thumb, but said this spring poses a challenge. He said quenching a plant takes more than just the usual walk through the garden with the watering can.
"You have to get the water on the plants so they revive,” Radecki said. “But then you have to water it long enough to moisten the soil to the roots – that takes a lot of time."
And apparently the plants aren't the only ones craving a cold drink.
"The robins go crazy when you turn the water on,” he said. “Every bird comes to try and get water."
Water levels at the St. Joseph River seem to be receding. The water is lower compared to where it used to stand.
According to the National Geographic Survey, water levels from the middle of May to the end of May in northern Indiana have been much below normal conditions.
So in order to battle this mini-drought, many homeowners are stepping up their daily watering routine. One home in Mishawka has seven sprinklers going.
The Department of Natural Resources said we're not at an emergency stage just yet. So far, they haven't had to step in this spring.
