Current drought in Ohio most severe since 1963

CLEVELAND - We haven't seen much rain in 2012 across the entire state, especially across northwest and northeast Ohio.

When we look back at dry years, 1963 really jumps out. During that year, we had a very dry summer and fall. In fact, all four climate zones across our region were under an "extreme drought."

So far this year, two of of four climate zones are under an "extreme drought." The other two zones are under a "severe drought." Looking back, it isn't since 1963 we've seen a drought this severe across the area.

So, how much rain will it take to get us of this drought? A lot. We'd need anywhere between 8 to 12 inches of rain over the next few weeks to climb out of this drought. That's almost an impossible number to get .

Our only hope is a tropical system's remnants move over northern Ohio and stall. We'll look for that chance heading into August and September. Until then, we are dry, and in an historic drought.