Subscribe to the Wake Up, cleveland.com’s free morning newsletter, delivered to your inbox weekdays at 5:30 a.m. My rain barrel is empty, my lawn is patchy brown and my hydrangeas are drooping. We’ve wrapped 11 days this month of temperatures in the 80s with very little rain.

The Ohio state climatologist says historic drought conditions continue to worsen for the state’s farmers. Aaron Wilson says it is more widespread than ever. “We’re seeing drought conditions really expand now westward and northward across the state,

This week's drought monitor continues to show slowly expanding and deteriorating drought conditions across Western Pennsylvania.

Nearly a tenth of Ohio is now classified as in the highest levels of drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Meanwhile, moderate drought touches Portage County, closing in on Northeast Ohio again.

In addition to the latest in farming technology, industry exhibits, and educational booths, the historic drought Ohio is experiencing has also been a focal point of this year’s Farm Science Review. “Whatever the hot topic of the day,

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which is authored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, counties such as Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Montgomery are in the "severe drought" category.

This is putting a big strain on farm families who want to maintain the legacy of their farm for generations to come,” said Ohio Farm Bureau's Ty Higgins.