Widespread and heavy rains fell across the previously dry central part of Illinois. A large part of the area labeled as “abnormally dry” in last week’s US Drought Monitor received 2-4 inches or more of rain (see map below). Some localized amounts exceeded 5 inches, causing the NWS to issue flash flood warnings in some instances.
Over the last 7 days, the highest Illinois rainfall total was from a CoCoRaHS observer near Streator (IL-LS-33) who reported 6.14 inches. A close second was a CoCoRaHS observer near Morris (IL-GY-16) who reported 5.65 inches.
I think it’s safe to say that those areas in central Illinois that were truly considered “abnormally dry” a few weeks ago are no longer that way – typical Illinois weather. Unfortunately, the rains missed southern Illinois again.
