August was cooler, drier than normal in Illinois

Posted on September 4, 2017
Sunset
The average temperature in Illinois was 71 degrees last month, about three degrees below normal. (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

By WJBC Staff

SPRINGFIELD – Last month was the 12th coolest August on record in Illinois.

It was a cool, dry august , with the statewide average temperature coming in at about 71 degrees.

“That’s three degrees below normal and the 12th coolest August on record,” said Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey. “This follows June and July which were both slightly above normal.”

Statewide average precipitation was more than an inch below normal with much of central Illinois listed as either abnormally dry or in a moderate drought.

Precipitation was an inch less than usual.

“It was a narrow band of 3 to 6 inches between Quincy to just north of Champaign,” Angel said. “The rest of the state received 1 to 3 inches which is about 1 to 3 inches below normal.”

Angel added the highest monthly rainfall total was 7.9 inches in Augusta and Hoopeston.

September could be more of the same as the long term outlook calls for below normal temps and rainfall.

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