Illinois State Water Survey Illinois State Climatologist

Midwest Most Productive Region in the World

According to a press release from NASA … Data from satellite sensors show that during the Northern Hemisphere’s growing season, the Midwest region of the United States boasts more photosynthetic activity than any other spot on Earth, according to NASA and university scientists. They determined this by measuring the fluorescent glow that healthy plants give […]

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Wet June and Wettest Year-to-Date in Illinois

Based on preliminary numbers, the statewide average precipitation for June 2013 in Illinois was 5.19 inches. That was 0.99 inches above the 1981-2010 average. It was more than double the June 2012 total of 1.80 inches. In the first map below, the two wettest areas in Illinois were in northern Illinois and an area just […]

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Dry Across the Midwest – 2012 Compared to 1988

The current drought condition has many similarities with 1988. Here is the departure from normal precipitation for the Midwest from April 1 to July 2 for 2012 (left) and for 1988 (right). Areas in green are doing well. Areas in blue are having to deal with flooding issues. Areas in yellow are dry, and areas […]

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Dry Across the Midwest – 2012 Compared to 1988

The current drought condition has many similarities with 1988. Here is the departure from normal precipitation for the Midwest from April 1 to July 2 for 2012 (left) and for 1988 (right). Areas in green are doing well. Areas in blue are having to deal with flooding issues. Areas in yellow are dry, and areas […]

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