This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor noted a region considered “Abnormally Dry” across central Illinois. This is a result of three things: below-normal precipitation over the last 90 days, much above-normal temperatures (which have increased evaporation), and streamflows that are much below-normal for this time of year. On that last point, streams are normally bank-full and then some, so being much below-normal still means there is water flowing.
At this point, there have been no significant negative impacts reported. In the short-term, the warm, dry weather is beneficial for field work. However, it is an area that we will watch in the future.
