The rain has finally moved into Illinois this morning. According to the National Weather Service, widespread heavy rain is expected to continue in Illinois over the next 3 days. Here is the forecast map for Tuesday morning showing a large storm moving across the central US. Rain is likely from the Gulf of Mexico all the way up to the western Great Lakes. Snow is likely in the Plains states (areas in blue). However, we will likely be too warm in Illinois to see snowfall.
14-Day Rainfall Across Illinois and Midwest
Between 1 to 3 inches of rain (shades of green and yellow in the map below) has fallen over much of southern and central Illinois in the last 14 days through this morning. Meanwhile, areas generally to the north of Interstate 80 have less than an inch of rain (shades of blue).
Continue reading “14-Day Rainfall Across Illinois and Midwest”
So Far, Fifth Wettest June on Record for Illinois
Even before today’s rain, the statewide average rainfall for June in Illinois is 7.11 inches. That makes it the 5th wettest June on record. And June is not over. Here are the top ten wettest June totals on record and where we stand:
- 1902 with 8.27 inches
- 2010 with 7.71 inches
- 1998 with 7.64 inches
- 2000 with 7.34 inches
- 2015 with 7.11 inches (as of 6/21/2015)
- 1928 with 6.93 inches
- 1993 with 6.85 inches
- 1924 with 6.80 inches
- 2014 with 6.77 inches
- 2011 with 6.69 inches
Notice anything unusual about that list? Five out of the 10 wettest June totals have occurred since 2000. Our statewide records go back to 1895.
Due to the heavy rains of June, we first saw flooding on the smaller rivers and streams in Illinois. Now the larger rivers are responding to the wet conditions. The NWS can keep you posted on the latest flooding issues at www.weather.gov
Wet Weather Ahead for Illinois
Here is the Qualitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) for the next 7 days, according to the National Weather Service. This shows the potential amounts of rainfall, your mileage may vary. The area in shades of violet and purple are 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Shades of blue are 1 to 1.5 inches. Most of this is expected to fall in the next 3 days.
Here is how much rain has fallen so far in May across the Midwest.