CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Drought conditions in Illinois continue to worsen.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report shows that 65% of the state is, at a minimum, in a moderate drought condition. That’s up from around 50% the week before.
Around 15% of the state is in a severe drought condition; including all of Marshall County and most of Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Stark Counties. Last week, about 1% of the state was in a severe drought condition.
State Climatologist Trent Ford says precipitation in Illinois has been well below average since May 1st, and it’s having an impact on numerous fronts.
“Stream flow is nearing record lows for this time of the year in some spots on the Kankakee and Illinois Rivers,” Ford said. “Lots of impacts to lawns, trees, and gardens have been reported. Corn and beans are largely hanging on but conditions are variable, and there are some concerns of yield impacts with continued dry weather in coming weeks.”
Ford says rainfall levels in the northern half of the state, which is seeing some of the worse conditions, is at around 25% less than average for this time of year.
He says the drought impact has been limited so far due to a wetter winter and a lack of extreme heat.
The latest projections from the National Weather Service over the next week shows rain for the southern half of Illinois, but less accumulation expected for northern and central Illinois. Ford says more extensive and severe drought impacts could occur if dry weather patterns continue.
