Illinois State Water Survey Illinois State Climatologist

Drought Expands in Illinois

The U.S. Drought Monitor released the latest drought map, showing that the “severe” D2 drought has expanded across much of northern Illinois. Only an area in the northeast part of the state remains in moderate drought (first figure).
The Climate Prediction Center also released their drought outlook today. They expect the drought in the central U.S. to persist over the next 3 months (second figure).

U.S. Drought Monitor map for Illinois, released on July 19, 2012. Click to enlarge.

Climate Prediction Center drought outlook, released on July 19, 2012. Click to enlarge.