Heavy rains fell across southern Illinois over the last week. Amounts of 4 to 8 inches were common in areas from Carbondale southward (see map). In addition, heavy rains fell in southern Missouri, southern Indiana, southern Ohio, and large portions of northern Kentucky. As a result, minor to major flooding was reported along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers as well as many of their tributaries.
You can track current river observations and flood stage forecasts at NWS website: http://water.weather.gov/ahps/
Heavy Rains Alleviate Illinois Drought
Heavy rains over the weekend put a major dent in the drought in southern Illinois and neighboring states. Amounts of two to four and a half inches were common throughout the southern half of the state. Some places saw more rain in the last week than in the last three months. For example, Mt Carmel reported 5.07 inches in the last 7 days while receiving a combined total of only 4.34 inches during the months of August, September, and October.
These widespread rains should give relief to other drought-stricken areas of the Midwest as well, including Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.
Rainfall Totals for July in the Chicago Area
Here are some rainfall totals for July 2010 [updated on August 3] for the Chicago area. This is preliminary and may contain missing or incorrect data. Missing data can make the monthly totals too low. Based on what has been reported so far, Midway Airport has set a new record for July precipitation, beating the old record of 8.98 inches set in 1957.
| Station | Total Precipitation |
|---|---|
| BARRINGTON 3 SW | 7.18 |
| BELVIDERE | 7.24 |
| CHICAGO BOTANICAL GARDEN | 5.51 |
| CHICAGO MIDWAY AP | 10.39 |
| CHICAGO MIDWAY AP 3 SW | 9.17 |
| CHICAGO OHARE INTL AP | 8.84 |
| DE KALB | 6.92 |
| EARLVILLE 3 S | 3.31 |
| ELBURN | 6.28 |
| ELGIN | 7.68 |
| GENOA 2 SW | 8.89 |
| GLEN ELLYN 4 S | 7.48 |
| HARVARD | 9.52 |
| JOLIET BRANDON RD DM | 5.00 |
| MARENGO | 6.53 |
| MARSEILLES LOCK | 3.87 |
| MCHENRY STRATTON L | 3.28 |
| MENDOTA 2 SE | 3.29 |
| MONEE RSVR | 6.01 |
| MORRIS | 3.89 |
| MUNDELEIN 4 WSW | 7.06 |
| NEWARK 2 SSE | 3.91 |
| OAK BROOK 2W | 9.02 |
| PARK FOREST | 6.38 |
| PERU | 2.74 |
| PLAINFIELD 3 NE | 7.48 |
| ROMEOVILLE LEWIS UNIV AP | 8.05 |
| SHABBONA 3S | 5.29 |
| SPRING GROVE | 6.89 |
| ST CHARLES 7 NW | 9.44 |
| STREAMWOOD | 6.91 |
| WHEATON 3 SE | 6.25 |
| WOODSTOCK 5 NW | 6.65 |
| YORKVILLE 3 SW | 4.31 |
2nd Wettest June on Record
Illinois has experienced the 2nd wettest June on record, based on preliminary records through June 30. The statewide average rainfall was 7.8 inches, 3.7 inches above normal. The wettest June on record was 1902 with 8.37 inches. The rains over the weekend, especially north of I-80 and along I-70 caused this June to move up from fourth to second wettest June on record. Statewide records extend back to 1895. This number is provisional and may change slightly as more data comes in.
The larger rainfall totals occurred in the northern two-thirds of the state where amounts of 7 to 12 inches were common. Meanwhile far southern Illinois remains closer to normal with amounts ranging from 3 to 6 inches.