The statewide average temperature for January-July was 53.4 degrees, 1.8 degrees above normal and the 7th warmest January-July on record for Illinois. The warmest January-July was 2012 when we reached 57.2 degrees, thanks to the 2012 drought. In an earlier post, it was noted that January-June was the 7th warmest as well.
Here are the Illinois statewide monthly temperature and precipitation departures from normal for 2016. In the first graph, it is clear that we have been running warm for 2016 with 6 out of the 7 months above normal. Only May was below normal.
Continue reading “2016 So Far – 7th Warmest in Illinois”
August Forecast – Wet for Illinois
After the third wettest July on record in Illinois, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center released their latest August outlook on Saturday. They have the northern two-thirds of Illinois in this region with an increased chance of above-normal rainfall in August (first map, green shading). This is part of a larger area with increased chance of above-normal rainfall that extends into Iowa, northern Missouri, southern Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. While not part of the official forecast, many of the dynamic forecast models are showing that above-normal rainfall is more likely in southern Illinois as well.
Continue reading “August Forecast – Wet for Illinois”
Third Wettest July on Record for Illinois
July Summary
The reports are in and this July was the third wettest July on record for Illinois. The statewide average rainfall was 7.12 inches, 3.04 inches above normal. The largest rainfall total in the state was Carbondale with 13.34 inches. I just received word the Water Survey’s ICN gauge at Dixon Springs reported 16.42″ for July.
On a lesser note, the statewide average temperature for July was 75.9 degrees, 0.5 degrees above normal. While the second half of July was hot and humid, the first half had stretches of cool weather, including the July 4th weekend. Continue reading “Third Wettest July on Record for Illinois”