Weekend Rains Hit Dry Part of Central Illinois

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.

Seven-day rainfall totals, ending May 7, for Illinois as derived of raingauges and radar estimates (provided by NOAA). According to the scale on the left, areas in shades of yellow and orange received 2 to 5 inches of rain (mostly along and south of Interstate 80). Areas in green received 0.5 to 2 inches, which is not bad for one week.  Click to enlarge.

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