Drought conditions are easing in Illinois
The drought has affected the entire state, peaking in late June-early July. But conditions have improved over the past 30 days in most areas, especially central and far southern Illinois.
Marion County and most of South Central Illinois are now out of the drought category, but still listed as abnormally dry. One small area of north central Fayette County is listed as still being in moderate drought, while the very eastern portions of Clay and Wayne Counties are listed as having adequate moisture.
But Ford warns the state has not fully recovered.
“Maybe agriculturally, maybe it’s always tough to call that. I know there was a lot more optimism than there was before. But we are not out of the woods yet and need a lot more rain throughout the Midwest region.”
Ford says after a drought, the last thing to snap back is usually groundwater levels. The seven day outlook is calling for drier and hotter weather in Illinois.
