A large portion of Central Illinois has been upgraded from Moderate to Severe Drought conditions. Although we were able to get some rain last Saturday and again on Thursday, it hasn't been enough to pick us up out of our slump. For the month of June, Peoria has seen 2.09" of rain. That's 0.37" below normal for the month. Year to date, we are 5.29" below where we should be.
During a Severe Drought, crop or pasture losses are likely, fire risk is very high, water shortages become common, and water restrictions may be imposed (U.S. Drought Monitor). Counties in our area currently classified as Severe Drought include Cass, Crawford, De Witt, Logan, Mason, McLean, Menard, Tazewell, and Woodford. The rest are qualified as a Moderate Drought.
Farmers say an inch of rain a week would be very beneficial, but storms may be hard to come by over the next 8 days. A leftover storms system from the west on Saturday night could bring a few storms to the area, with a few more possible on Sunday night as a cold front slides south. After a cooler and very dry start to next week, a quick wave of upper level energy could pop a few storms on Thursday. A more organized system will drop in from the north next Saturday bring a better chance for rain.
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