Where's the rain?

Hello, readers! Reporter Amber Hunt here.

Normally, I cover grisly stuff here at The Enquirer, but today’s assignment allowed me to spend time outdoors and catch up with area farmers , who are working overtime keeping their crops and animals alive thanks to this unexpected drought we’ve found ourselves in.

The majority of counties in both Ohio and Kentucky are affected, per the most recent U.S. Drought Map. In fact, in Ohio, only one county is spared from at least being partially ranked as “abnormally dry.” (That distinction goes to Lake County in Northeast Ohio.)

But don’t worry: Despite the arid weather, this year’s apple- and pumpkin-picking farms are still open for business – though you might want to schedule your visits a little earlier this year because the hot, dry conditions are causing causing crops to ripen earlier and for a shorter period of time.

Click or tap here to learn more and to see photo journalist Liz Dufour’s stellar pictures.

What else you need to know Wednesday, Sept. 18

🌤️ Weather: High of 88. Very warm with intervals of clouds and sunshine

📚 Education: Here's how much Miami University spent on legal fees last year after professors unionized

🏈 Don't Miss: Compare Bengals' Paycor Stadium to renovation plan with before and after photos

🍻 Things to Do: Here are the top 10 things to do in Cincy this weekend

🏆 Top 10: We ranked the top festivals in Cincinnati. Is Oktoberfest No. 1?

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Where's the rain?