State Climatologist: Despite some recent rains, much of Illinois remains in drought

Posted on July 14, 2023
Portions of Adams and Pike counties are in an extreme drought. (WJBC file photo)

By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – Conditions improved over the past week but most of Illinois remains in a drought.

The entire state, except for small portions of south central Illinois, is considered to be abnormally dry or in a moderate/severe drought. Portions of Adams and Pike counties are in an extreme drought.

Recent rain has helped, but still isn’t enough says State Climatologist Trent Ford.

“We did see some worsening of drought conditions in some isolated areas down in southern Illinois, so we are still in drought,” said Ford. “We’ve switched since July 1 to a more active pattern that has brought us a more consistent rain.”

Ford says growing crops need more rain through the end of this month into August. He also notes that stream and river levels are nowhere near replenished.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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