SOUTH BEND, Ind.--Sunshine and clear skies are with us now—and they’re expected to stick around through next week! It’s a welcome stretch of fair weather, especially after recent rain. But while the dry spell is enjoyable, it could become a concern if it lingers too long.

Much of Michiana is currently free of drought conditions, thanks to rainfall earlier this month. However, with several dry days in the forecast, soil moisture will begin to decrease, leading to minor drought development in some areas. According to the latest Drought Monitor, the northwestern corner of La Porte County and the southwestern edge of Berrien County are now classified as “abnormally dry.” We'll continue to monitor these areas closely as dry weather persists.

Clear skies bring more than just dry conditions; they could also bring frost at night. With no cloud cover to trap heat at the surface, overnight cooling becomes more effective. Tonight, we’re expecting lows to dip back into the 30s, which means frost is once again a possibility.

Isolated frost typically forms when the air temperature falls below 36 degrees, especially in rural areas. Widespread frost occurs when temperatures near or reach 32 degrees. By this point in the season, frost should be tapering off, just as plants are beginning to bloom. If you have a home garden, even a light frost could damage your plants, causing them to wilt.

Tonight, lows in Michiana are expected to reach as low as 34 degrees. So, make sure to cover any sensitive outdoor plants as temperatures fall. The good news: after tonight, overnight lows are expected to remain above the 30s, with sunny and warm days ahead.