TOLEDO, Ohio — Much of northwest Ohio is experiencing an extreme drought, with conditions not seen on this scale in more than a decade. The situation has led to historically low well levels and a need for significant, sustained rainfall.

According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor data from Oct. 9, nearly all of northwest Ohio is in some stage of drought, with 9.1% of the state now under a D3 "extreme drought" classification. The total area of Ohio experiencing at least a moderate drought (D1-D4) has climbed to 73.2%.

State climatologist Aaron Wilson said the current situation is the most significant since 2012.

"The drought has been focused in northwest Ohio, and it's really gone on for quite a while now," Wilson said.

He noted that for many, the conditions are reminiscent of

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