Illinois State Water Survey Illinois State Climatologist

Spring Begins with a Very Warm and Wet March

The preliminary statewide average March temperature was 47.3 degrees, 5.9 degrees above the 1991–2020 normal, 7.5 degrees above the 20th Century average, 5.3 degrees above the most recent 30-year average, and it tied for 9th warmest March on record going back to 1895. The preliminary statewide average total March precipitation was 4.85 inches, 1.91 inches […]

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Dry and Mild February Ends an Otherwise Cold Winter

The preliminary statewide average February temperature was 33.8 degrees, 2.8 degrees above the 1991–2020 normal, 4.6 degrees above the 20th Century average, 2.8 degrees above the most recent 30-year average, and it tied for 29th warmest February on record going back to 1895. The preliminary statewide average total February precipitation was 0.54 inches, 1.57 inches […]

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Drought is Intensifying in Illinois

An extremely dry end to summer and start to fall has intensified ongoing drought in central and southern Illinois and increased the fire and blowing dust risk as we approach harvest. River levels have dropped near or below low stage, including on the Kaskaskia, Sangamon, and Mackinaw, among others. Dry August Sparks Flash Drought August […]

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Drought is Back in Illinois

Persistently dry conditions and summer-like temperatures have pushed parts of the state in moderate to severe drought. Drought impacts and condition reports are critical as drought conditions evolve in coming weeks. Please consider reporting what conditions look like in your area using the CMOR system: go.ilinois.edu/cmor. Current Conditions Following a top 5 wettest July in […]

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